Four Noble Truths
The Buddha's core teaching on the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.
Also known as: Buddha's core teaching, Noble Truths, Buddhist fundamentals
Category: Frameworks
Tags: philosophies, buddhism, wisdom, suffering, spirituality
Explanation
The Four Noble Truths are the Buddha's foundational teaching, framed as a physician diagnosing and treating illness: 1) Dukkha (suffering exists): life inevitably includes suffering, dissatisfaction, and unease. 2) Samudaya (origin): suffering arises from craving, attachment, and aversion. 3) Nirodha (cessation): suffering can end through releasing craving and attachment. 4) Magga (path): the Noble Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering. The truths work together as: diagnosis (acknowledging suffering), etiology (understanding causes), prognosis (possibility of cure), and prescription (path to healing). The framework is practical rather than metaphysical - focused on reducing suffering here and now. The truths don't promise elimination of pain but freedom from the additional suffering we create through craving and resistance. They're not pessimistic - they affirm that suffering is workable. For knowledge workers, the Four Noble Truths offer: framework for understanding workplace suffering, recognition that much suffering is self-created, and practical path toward greater peace and effectiveness.
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