The Four Noble Truths

Buddha once said “As the great ocean has built one taste, the taste of salt, this Dharma has but one taste, the taste of freedom.” The Four Noble Truths sum up the basics of Buddha’s teaching, though he has left many things left unanswered. The Eightfold Path breaks down these four nobles into three different categories to help us further understand them. All over the world 300 million or about 6% of Americans practice Buddhism, which was established by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the “Enlightened One”. Buddha who also known as Siddhartha of India in the 6th century was influenced by the prevailing beliefs of his time. It was said that he was born in 566 then passed away in 480 B.C. and was born in Nepal to a chief of the Shakya clan.

Finding the answer as to how he could end humans suffering was difficult, in order to determine that question Buddha had to find what the cause of suffering was first. Buddha learned that himself Buddha said “the causing of suffering is craving, desire, and ignorance”. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure such as, cars, tv, clothing, never dying, all of these wants can never be made true. By craving, we crave food, wealth, clothing, entertainment, and beauty. Ignorance on the other hand is not being able to see the truth about things. Without the ability to hold or do something for mental concentration and understanding of the deep things, Buddhism tells why someone 's mind is left not developed, and not able to understand the true nature of things. To comprehend that ignorance and craving are the main causes of suffering in life. If people were to understand this, they would not be suffering and that would lead them to true happiness for the rest of their

This noble leads us to the Noble Eightfold Path which leads to a life free suffering. The path is separated into three ways of practice that is aimed towards the development of mind, knowledge and behavior. The first three paths are in the “Good Conduct” category. The three paths are called, right speech, right action, and right livelihood. Good Conduct says that a special gift from man is the power of speech. This power when it is used right can bring enjoyment, wisdom, and peace which is the most important key to happiness. If the power of speech is used not properly it can bring ignorance, pain, no trust, and disbelief. On the other hand, the right speech is when you can control the abusive speech and its best potentials. When students are taught this Eightfold Path they will be told how they can control words, and phrases they typically say. Being taught how to be an honest person, use polite words, and of course learning how to avoid being a liar, are all part of this learning moment in their life. Next in the “Good Conduct” practice is the Right Action, this is important because it has to do with what we do on a daily bases. Right Action includes staying away from things that may be harmful to ourselves and most importantly others. Lastly, under this practice is the Right Livelihood, this is basically the way we provide for ourselves and others, but especially help the economy. The