When the Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma, he taught the Four Noble Truths. The First Noble Truth is… — Dilgo Khyentse
When the Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma, he taught the Four Noble Truths.
The First Noble Truth is that there is suffering, and it should be recognised.
The Second Noble Truth is that suffering has a cause, which therefore needs to be given up. That cause is the kleshas, the negative emotions or afflicting mental factors. Although there are many such obscured states of mind, the five principal obscurations are desire, aggression, ignorance, pride, and jealousy.
The Third Noble Truth is that there is a path that leads beings away from suffering; this path therefore needs to be followed.
The Fourth Noble Truth is that suffering can thus be brought to cessation.
Through the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha urged us to renounce worldly concerns and strive for liberation from samsara.
Source: Wikiquote · CC BY-SA 4.0
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As it is said:
Go hundreds of miles away
From places of dispute;
Don't stay for an instant
Where disturbing emotions prevail.
Every day, remind yourself that if you do not study and reflect upon the teachings, meditate, and recite prayers and mantras, at the moment of death you will be helpless. Death is certain. If you wait for the moment of death to begin your practice, it will be too late. Think about why you are engaging in practice. Wishing to obtain a long life free from illness, or hoping to increase your wealth and influence are petty aims. Practice to free yourself and all others from the suffering that is samsara.
As you progress through these three steps, spiritual qualities will naturally arise, and you will see the truth of the teachings. Those qualities will bloom spontaneously because the buddha nature within you is being revealed.
