The Four Truths as realized by the Buddha
The Four Truths as realized by the Buddha: Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha and Magga
The aim and goal of the teachings of the Buddha are to develop the mind to reflect on cause and effect in order to recognize and change unskillful thought habits and harmful actions. The three essential considerations here are:
Sīla – Ethical Conduct
Samādhi – Mental Discipline
Paññā – Wisdom
Dukkha
If we look at the Medicine Wheel, dukkha sits in the North. The meanings of Dukkha include, but are not limited to, ill at ease, discomfort, agitation, anguish and suffering. This includes anything that causes discomfort from a grain of sand in a shoe to mental anguish and profound suffering. Dukkha exists – this is the First Truth discovered by the Buddha, dukkha exists in all life, not just humanity and not just certain individuals. The recognition that dukkha is a universal truth is the first major step toward attaining the final goal, it is the first step onto the boat that will transport us to the other shore, the shore of happiness and peace.
Samudaya
The Second Truth discovered by the Buddha is samudaya – the arising or origin of dukkha. Samudaya sits in the East position on the Medicine Wheel. This is the “thirsting” for or craving for sense pleasure, material objects, wealth, power, and attachment to ideas, ideals, opinions, theories, concepts or beliefs. The manifestation of these things gives rise to dukkha.
Nirodha
The Third Truth realized by the Buddha is that of nirodha – the cessation of dukkha. This sits in the South on the Medicine Wheel. If we regard dukkha as a seed then the germ of the seed is nirodha – the cessation of dukkha. The means to an end is contained inside the actual problem! Just like each life form has the pure connection to the vast universe and peace inside them, only humans have the ability to recognize it. The Buddha said, how lucky we are to have human form, we should take advantage of it and not waste time. He said that even though we have human form it is as difficult for us to hear the Dhamma, the truth of nature, as it is for a blind tortoise swimming in the ocean to put his head through a round hole in a piece of wood floating at sea. This is how difficult it is for us to have the opportunity to hear the Dhamma.
Magga
The Fourth Truth realized by the Buddha is magga – the path leading to the cessation of dukkha. Magga is located in the West on the Medicine Wheel, magga, or path, is the Eightfold Path.
Below is a simple graph showing the Eightfold Path as a whole unit with Understanding as the all-encompassing element. Each branch on the path is equally important and should be cultivated with a pure heart and calm mind in order to attain the final goal of peace and happiness in this life.
