Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths

Tilopa once said, “It is not the outer objects that entangle us. It is the inner clinging that entangles us.” Over 2500 years ago, Buddha outlined the framework for Buddhist thought in which he declared that he taught suffering, its origin, cessation and path. The four noble truths contain the basis of Buddha’s ideas which he attained while meditating under a bodhi tree, which would later become a Buddhist symbol. While Buddhism is not practiced by many, its affect in the world can be seen in the utilization of the four noble truths that Buddha was enlightened with. By accepting the four noble truths, we are able to identify, heal, and be set free from a life of suffering.

To begin with, the common bond humans share with each other in Buddhist thought is Dukkha, or suffering. Buddha outlined that the problem of Dukkha is more complicated than originally thought. Siddhartha Guatama, the first Buddha, was born into a wealthy family that told him he would either save humanity or become great ruler. Growing up, his father shielded him from being exposed to human suffering, opting to indulge his son in opulence so he would choose to be a King later in life. One day, Siddhartha ventured out of the village and came across an old man, and the chariot driver explained that everyone experiences old age eventually. The next day, he stumbled upon a diseased man who was covered in sores, and the chariot driver explained that everyone can become sick at any time. Frightened by this realization he and the driver went back to the village saddened. On the third day, he came across a funeral procession, and the chariot driver told him that a person died, and that all living things eventually die. Siddhartha was shaken by these sights, and wonder...

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