The Four Noble Truths

2017·4.1 MB·Nepal Bhasa and English

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THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
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T F N T
HE OUR OBLE RUTHS
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Published and donated for free distribution by
Dan Shobha Tuladhar
Kalash and Medha Bhattarai Tuladhar
Dipankar Tuladhar
Kathmandu, Nepal

Materials adapted from various sources.
Cover: The Buddha preaching to Sigal Kumar, a
painting by Prithi Man Chitrakari.
First edition 2017, BS 2561, NS 1137
Printed by Nepal Printing House, Kathmandu
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CONTENTS

TEACHINGS OF THE BUDDHA

1. The Four Noble Truths 6
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2. The Middle Path 8
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3. Pancha Sheel (Five Precepts) 11
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LIFE OF THE BUDDHA

4. Suddhodana and Maha Maya 14
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5. The Birth in Lumbini 16
6. His Education 18
7. Prince Siddhartha's Kindness 19
8. Prince Siddhartha's Wedding 21
9. An Old Beggar 23
10. A Sick Man 26
11. A Dead Body 29
12. A Monk 31
13. Leaving Home 33
14. Alara and Uddaka 37
15. Torturing the Body 39
16. Sujata Gives Milk-Rice 42
17. Enlightenment 44
18. Meeting the Five Friends 46
19. Returning Home 49
20. Princess Yasodhara 51
21. Prince Rahula 53
22. The Last Days of the Buddha 55
23. The Buddha's Final Words of Advice 57

OTHER STORIES

24. Patachara 60
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25. Angulimala the Bandit 68
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26. Kisa Gotami 82
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IN MEMORIAM
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1. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
The heart of the Buddha's teachings are the Four
Noble Truths which he explained during his very
first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath.
1. The truth of suffering
Physical sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and
death. Mental sufferings of separation from our
loved ones and contact with undesirable persons.
2. The truth of the cause of suffering
Craving is a cause of suffering. Craving is not only
desire for and attachment to pleasure, wealth and
power, but also ideas, views and opinions.
3. The truth of the end of suffering
Suffering can be eliminated by eliminating the cause
of suffering, which is craving.
4. The truth of the path that leads to the end of
suffering
The way leading to the end of suffering is known as
the Middle Path because it avoids two extremes: The
search for happiness through the pleasures of the
senses, and the search for happiness through self-
mortification, or inflicting pain on oneself.
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2. THE MIDDLE PATH
The Middle Path is generally known as the Noble
Eightfold Path because it consists of eight parts.
1. Right Understanding
Right Understanding is seeing things as they are,
which means understanding the Four Noble Truths.
2. Right Thought
Clear thinking that leads to positive states of mind.
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3. Right Speech
Refraining from telling lies, using harsh words and
engaging in useless gossip.
4. Right Action
Refraining from destroying life, stealing and
engaging in dishonest dealings.
5. Right Livelihood
Refraining from following an occupation that harms
others, like trading in weapons, alcohol and poisons.
6. Right Effort
Avoiding negative thoughts and emotions, and
getting rid of them if they have already arisen.
7. Right Mindfulness
Having a clear sense of one’s mental state and
bodily health.
8. Right Concentration
Practicing meditation leading to a state of pure
calmness and awareness.