The Buddha's teaching is often divided into three parts.
These are the :
These are the :
- Three Signs of Beings
- Four Noble Truths
- Noble Eightfold Path
The Three Signs of Being
The Three Signs of Being are the ways that the Buddha used to describe life. - Nothing in life is perfect. ( dukkha) It includes things like being bored and uncomfortable, and everything which is not satisfactory.
- Everything in life - even solid things such as mountains - is changing, all the time.
(anicca) - There is no soul. (anatta) Instead, the Buddha taught, what does carry on to the next life is a person's life force (Karma). The Karma can be good or bad, depending on how the person lives in this life.
The Four Noble TruthsWhat is the First Noble Truth? Dukkha: Suffering exists: The first truth is that life is suffering i.e. life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, boredom, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. What is the Second Noble Truth? Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and the needing to control things. It can take many forms: the desire for fame; the desire to avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy. What is the Third Noble Truth? Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf let go of our craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana. What is the Fourth Noble Truth? Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path. The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering. |
| What is Dukkha? Dukkha is suffering. All existence is "dukkha"; without permanence and therefore filled with suffering. |
The Noble Eight-Fold Path
The Noble Eight-fold Path focuses the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths. It is the way Buddhists should live their lives. The Buddha said that people should avoid extremes. They should not have or do too much, but neither should they have or do too little. The 'Middle Way' is the best.
The path to Enlightenment (nirvana) is through the practice and development of wisdom, morality and meditation.
| Three Qualities | Eightfold Path |
| Wisdom (panna) | Right View (understanding) |
| Right Thought | |
| Morality (sila) | Right Speech |
| Right Action | |
| Right Livelihood | |
| Meditation (samadhi) | Right Effort |
| Right Mindfulness | |
| Right Contemplation (concentration) |