Buddhism Lecture Supplement
The Four Noble Truths
1. No one can escape suffering; doesn’t mean that all life is suffering but just that it is an inevitable part
of life (illness, death, etc.)
2. Suffering arises from desiring and craving pleasure, existence, prosperity, etc.
3. Suffering ends when desires end
4. Truth of the eightfold path lead to end of suffering
The Eightfold Path
1. Right belief/view – understanding truth about universality of suffering, knowing path leading to its
extinction, realizing it is attainable; understanding the four noble truths
2. Right aspiration/thought – preparing for the journey to Enlightenment by freeing one’s mind of ill
will, sensuous desire, cruelty
3. Right speech – no lying, gossip, harsh language
4. Right conduct – honest; no stealing, killing, unlawful sex
5. Right means of livelihood – avoid any occupation that harms directly or indirectly any living thing
6. Right endeavor/effort – going beyond simply acting morally; a person avoids all distractions and
temptations of the flesh
7. Right memory/mindfulness – focus mind on life, suffering, death
8. Right meditation – total discipline of mind, body, spirit leading to absolute awareness that transcends
consciousness
