Insulting and hate filled little troll! Robert said what he did
because I admire Christ. His laws are very much similar to the
The four noble truths and eightfold path. They are key concepts in
Buddhism. The four noble truths are key beliefs or realisations about
the world and how to escape the endless cycle of birth, death and
rebirth (samsara).
1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)
The Buddha realised that this world if full of suffering (dukkha). All
existence including birth, old age, sickness and death is suffering and
sorrow is dukkha. This is called the Truth of Suffering.
2. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudhaya)
The cause of human suffering lies in ignorance. Ignorance and its
resulting Karma have often been referred to in Buddhism as “desire” or
craving (tanha). The Buddha declared:
“Verily it is this thirst or craving, causing the renewal of existence,
accompanied by sensual delight, seeking satisfaction now here, now there
– the craving for gratification of the passions, for continual existence
in the worlds of sense.”
Buddha says that the root of the cause of suffering is found in the mind
itself. In particular our tendency to grasp at things (or alternatively
to push them away) places us fundamentally at odds with the way life
really is. For example, we suffer when we lose something because our
mind formed an attachment to it.
3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)
The extinguishing of all human ignorance results in a state known as
Nirvana. This is the Truth of the Cessation of Suffering. Reaching
Nirvana is not a place or ‘heaven’ but more like a state of
peacefulness. Imagine there is a flame representing the ignorance of the
world. The extinguishing of that flame is Nirvana.
4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga)
The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering is the Noble
Eight-fold Path. How do we reach Nirvana as Buddhists? We follow it in
everyday life.
Following the four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
Believing in and following the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path in
everyday life can help Buddhists to reach Nirvana, the ultimate goal of
Buddhism. The Noble Truths are the belief and the eightfold path is the
action(s) that follows from the belief.
What is the Eightfold Path of Buddhism?
Buddhists will practice the eightfold path on a daily basis and live it
in every means possible. By following this teaching, one can follow in
the footsteps of the Buddha himself.
1. Right View or Right Understanding – Seeing things how they really
are, not how you think they are. For example, keeping yourself free from
prejudice.
2. Right Thoughts – Having kind thoughts, for example, not being greedy.
In other words, to turn away from the evils of this world and direct
your mind towards righteousness and positive thought.
3. Right Speech – To refrain from harmful speech and to speak kindly to
everyone. Avoid lies, gossip and hurtful words.
4. Right Conduct – To make sure that your deeds are peaceful, benevolent
(good) and compassionate. To live the Teaching of the Buddha daily. This
includes, saving life (not destroying it), not stealing, being
respectful to others.
5. Right Livelihood – To earn your living in such a way as to entail no
evil consequences. Examples of right livelihood may include making a
living as a teacher or doctor – jobs that do not involve hurting people
or animals.
6. Right Effort – To work hard and put effort into understanding the way
of the world. We should direct our efforts to the overcoming of
ignorance and selfish desires.
7. Right Mindfulness – To cherish good and pure thoughts for all that we
say and do arise from our thoughts. We should be aware of our actions,
words and thoughts at all times.
8. Right Meditation or Right Contemplation – To meditate and concentrate
your mind on the Buddha, his Life and his Teaching. Many Buddhists will
meditate at a Buddhist temple, but meditation can take place at home or
in any other quiet place.
This does not mean that I worship Buddha, my ancestors or any god.
Buddhism is a discipline to me, but a religion to many Asians.