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'''The Four Noble Truths''' are the central teaching of the [[Dhammacakka Sutta]], the first discourse of the [[Buddha]] upon his attainment of enlightenment.  In the [[Pali]] canon, the [[Dhammacakka Sutta]] is contained within the [[Samyutta Nikaya]] text.  This discourse is known as the Pali Sutra, the Dharmapadha, and variously translates in English as the ''Wheel of Dharma Discourse''.
'''The Four Noble Truths''' are an important concept in [[Buddhism]]. Scholars have published a variety of different statements about what they are and their place in Buddhism.


The Truths, as delineated by the [[Buddha]] in this discourse are:
==Translation==


:#The Noble Truth of Suffering; suffering (dukkha) involves birth, aging, illness, death, being with what is displeasing, being separated from what is pleasing, not getting what one wants, and the five aggregates of clinging (pancupādānakkhandhā).
Some scholars present them as statements, propositions, about suffereing and so on (see below). Others, however, say that they are actually not statements but the things themselves, suffering etc. Some of these suggest "Realities" as a translation. Some scholars seem to mix the two interpretations, suggesting they may regard both as valid aspects.
:#The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering; the origin of suffering (dukkhasamudayo) is craving (tanhā) or deisre rooted in sensual pleasures, existence, and extermination.
 
:#The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering; the end of suffering (dukkhanirodho) is attainable, and is achieved through the relinquishment of and freedom from craving, clinging, and desire.
In addition, a variety of possible analyses of the compounds in ancient Indian languages have been put forward:
:#The Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering; the means to the end of suffering is [[The Eightfold Path]].
 
#noble truths
#truths of the noble one, i.e. the Buddha
#truths of the noble ones, i.e. those who have attained some level of enlightenment
#ennobling truths
 
K.R. Norman (then President of the Pali Text Society) suggested all meanings were valid, saying multiple meanings were common in the Indian tradition.
 
==Role==
 
The received wisdom among American and European scholars, though contested, is that they are the central teachings of all or most traditions of [[Buddhism]].<ref>''History of Religions'', volume 42, page 389 </ref>
 
==Notes==
 
{{Reflist}}

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The Four Noble Truths are an important concept in Buddhism. Scholars have published a variety of different statements about what they are and their place in Buddhism.

Translation

Some scholars present them as statements, propositions, about suffereing and so on (see below). Others, however, say that they are actually not statements but the things themselves, suffering etc. Some of these suggest "Realities" as a translation. Some scholars seem to mix the two interpretations, suggesting they may regard both as valid aspects.

In addition, a variety of possible analyses of the compounds in ancient Indian languages have been put forward:

  1. noble truths
  2. truths of the noble one, i.e. the Buddha
  3. truths of the noble ones, i.e. those who have attained some level of enlightenment
  4. ennobling truths

K.R. Norman (then President of the Pali Text Society) suggested all meanings were valid, saying multiple meanings were common in the Indian tradition.

Role

The received wisdom among American and European scholars, though contested, is that they are the central teachings of all or most traditions of Buddhism.[1]

Notes

  1. ↑ History of Religions, volume 42, page 389
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