2.3.9

The Four Noble Truths - Dukkha and Samudaya

Test yourself

The Four Noble Truths

At the heart of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths. They explain why people suffer and how to end suffering.

Illustrative background for Dukkha - the first Noble Truth
Illustrative background for Dukkha - the first Noble Truth
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Dukkha - the first Noble Truth

  • Dukkha → suffering exists.
  • How we define suffering has to do with sensory contact.
  • This means that we see things and desire them.
    • This could be material things, such as the latest smartphone.
  • Or we taste a good food and we desire more of that.
Illustrative background for SatisfactionIllustrative background for Satisfaction ?? "content

Satisfaction

  • What we want will not bring satisfaction, because these things are temporary.
  • The satisfaction of owning something or tasting something passes and gives way to the desire for owning or tasting something else.
Illustrative background for Samuyada – the second Noble Truth
Illustrative background for Samuyada – the second Noble Truth
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Samuyada – the second Noble Truth

  • Samuyada → the cause of suffering.
  • Suffering comes from desire and attachment
  • We want things and, if we get them, we get attached.
    • We suffer when we desire something and also when we lose it.
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Attachments

  • We become attached to objects and suffer when they get lost or break down.
  • We also become attached to friends and relatives, and suffer if they pass away.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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