The Four Noble Truths
"(1) The Truth of Suffering. The First Noble Truth is
known as dug ngal [sdug bsngal] in Tibetan. To confidently walk the path, we
must have a clear understanding of the suffering of impermanence that pervades
all existence. It is often said that for an ordinary person, this subtle
impermanence is as imperceptible as a hair on the palm of one’s hand. For an
enlightened being, however, it is felt as sharply as a hair on one’s eyeball.
Though we can all admit to experiencing pain and sadness at least occasionally,
it takes deeper investigation of reality for most of us to perceive the more
subtle modes of suffering that shadow even the happiest occasion. This
suffering can take the form of awareness that the happy occasion must come to
an end, or it can take the form of the persistent intrusion of minor
irritations. Generally speaking, whatever we do is in need of constant
adjustment. For instance, we are either too hot or too cold; we are either
hungry or stuffed. No matter where we are or what we are doing, at some level
our bodies or minds are uneasy or uncomfortable.
Buddhist doctrine classifies suffering into three root
sections and eight branches. The three root sections are (1) the suffering of
suffering itself, (2) the suffering of change, and (3) all-pervasive suffering.
The eight branches are (1) birth, (2) sickness, (3) old age, (4) death, (5)
unfulfilled desire, (6) unexpected misfortune, (7) separation from loved ones,
and (8) physical discomfort.
(2) The Cause of Suffering. The Second Noble Truth is known
as kunjung [kun byung] in Tibetan, meaning “source of everything.” This
basically indicates that the source of all suffering is the interplay between
ignorance and karma. Suffering is the result of karmic causes that we
accumulate by engaging in various activities rooted in ignorance.
(3) The Truth of Cessation. The Third Noble Truth is known
as gogpa [’gog pa] in Tibetan. This indicates the cessation that bring freedom
from both suffering and the causes of suffering. “Cessation” is sometimes
referred to as the “state of extinguishment,” “ultimate joy, peace, and
relaxation,” and “nirvāna.”
(4) The Cause of Cessation. The Fourth Noble Truth is known
as lam [lam] in Tibetan. This is the Eightfold Path2 that brings about
nirvāna.
Such are the Four Noble Truths, which definitely exist on
the relative level. Since conventional reality forms a huge part of our
experience, it is necessary for us to fully understand these precious truths.
We can highlight them using the metaphor of sickness. To begin, we can say the
First Noble Truth diagnoses a disease. As we all know, if we want to cure a
disease, we must discover its cause. This is outlined in the Second Noble
Truth. Once we know the cause of a disease, our doctor can prescribe effective
treatment. Here, the Buddha is the doctor prescribing the path of Dharma, the
Fourth Noble Truth. This is like the medicine that will bring us to a state of
complete health, or cessation, described in the Third Noble Truth.
That is the relative level. On the absolute level, the Four
Noble Truths have no more inherent existence than anything else we have
discussed so far—they are all based on great emptiness. Having thus pronounced
the emptiness of both the ground and path, Avalokiteshvara arrives at the
fruition or goal of practice: transcendent wisdom. This, too, is empty of
inherent existence."
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoche ...
Ceaseless Echoes of the Great Silence: A Commentary on the
Heart Sutra Prajnaparamita (pgs 50-52)
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