THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

The Omniscient mind of the Buddha knew everything that can be known. Of the things that can be known, there are those that are interesting to know, but not important; and those that are truly important to know. The Buddha could tell, for example, whether particles of some ash “came from grains from a particular city or from trees in the forest on the sunny or shady sides of a valley.” However, this is not important to know. Instead, he spoke of The Four Noble Truths – that which is truly important to know.

1) The Truth of Suffering: We see suffering all around us. War is suffering. Terrorism is suffering. Sickness is suffering. Death is suffering. Abortion is suffering. The Truth of Suffering is not limited to what we can see. The Buddha speaks of other realms of existence and other types of beings – other than humans and animals – that also undergo suffering – only suffering. Suffering pervades the entire span of existence in all its types and locations. This is the Truth of Suffering. Its scope is wider than just human or animal suffering, and it is not limited to our point in time. This is knowledge that we could not have, had the Buddha not taught us.

 2) The Truth of Cause of Suffering: Buddha said suffering does not come arbitrarily. It does not occur by chance. It does not happen without a reason. There is a cause corresponding to every suffering. He said suffering arises as effect of the ten negative actions – killing, stealing, and so forth – under the influence of negative emotions such as hatred, greed, and so forth. Suffering in this life could have as its cause a negative action done in a previous life, or previously in this life. This is important to know. This is knowledge that we could not have, had the Buddha not taught us.

3) The Truth of Removal of Suffering: Buddha said suffering can be completely removed and a peaceful state can be attained by anyone. This is the Truth of Removal of Suffering. This is the goal of the Buddha’s teachings. That such a state is even possible is the knowledge that we could not have, had the Buddha not taught us.

 4) The Truth of Path: The Buddha also taught us how to remove suffering. This is the topic of Buddha’s teachings. Just as a path leads to a destination, the Truth of Path leads to the destination of the Truth of Removal of Suffering. The Truth of Path involves not doing negative actions such as killing, stealing, and so forth; and instead doing only positive actions such as protecting lives, being generous, and so forth. The knowledge of what removes suffering is the knowledge that we could not have, had the Buddha not taught us.

Of all things that could be known, the Buddha knew everything. Out of everything he could possibly tell us, he told us that which is truly important to know. Everyone wants happiness. No one wants suffering. So he said The Four Noble Truths.