Buddhist Beliefs: The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are fundamental teachings in Buddhism. They are considered equally important among all the Buddhist schools and are central to the core of Buddhist beliefs. Sometimes Buddhists are criticized for always talking about suffering (because of the First Noble Truth); yet the majority of Buddhist teachers I've come across, if not all, are the most peaceful and joyous people I've ever met. So surely, there is more to Buddhism than just suffering.

In this video I explain how the Buddha taught the 4 Noble Truths to show us how we can move from a state of unrest to attaining an everlasting peace and happiness, known as nirvana or nibbana. But first, like any good physician, before prescribing the medicine, the Buddha had to diagnose our problems and show us why we feel less than one hundred percent happy most of the time, and what we can do to fix this.
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Suggested Reading:
An excellent article by Ajahn Brahm: Joy at last to know there is no happiness in the world

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Sutta used in this video:

[weila]

A man once said to The Buddha :
"I WANT HAPPINESS"
The Buddha replied :
" First, remove I. That's Ego(The Mind). Second, remove WANT. That's Craving(Desire). Then what you are left with HAPPINESS."

[wellrose]

I've found the Buddhist beleifs, practices & honesty to be a refreshing guide to the human condition. On a personal note I kicked heroin through practicing the Buddhist guide. It's been my conviction since finding these truths to try & plant the seed when the opportunity presents itself. Cheers from Orlando

[d.m.wijeratne]

Buddhism is not only for Buddhists. It is universal and relevant to all human beings those who really suffer. Though everyone suffers, none can realise as it is suffering .Buddha has enlightened us how to eradicate all roots of suffering. But every body is not wise to grasp it. You 've offered a great contribution
Please keep on elucidating further.

[kurseong]

I've just started taking an interest in buddhism and came across this video whilst searching the internet for basic insights. What a lovely introduction that captured the essence beautifully and succinctly. Well worth watching.

[Itsatz]

Buddhism is mankind's greatest achievement.

[shadowsruss]

For the past year or more my life has been drawn more and more to Buddhism.  If this little planet is to survive, Buddhism will be one of the important answers to our questions.

[christopherlannon]

Every time I listen to videos on Buddhism, they just make sense.  It is information applicable to someone's life today.  It is observable (mostly) and is peaceful.  I wish more Christians and Muslims would look into it more.

[zoruxma]

0:47   first noble truth
10:42 second noble truth
14:00 third noble truth
15:33 fourth noble truth

[guruladakhi]

Ms, Mindah, You have not only the knowledge and wisdom of the Buddha Dharma but also a certain peacefulness about you that comes in the bell like clarity of your voice. I know you have a affirmative wish to see the suffering of all sentient beings mitigated and in their joy you celebrate. May your bodhichitta aspirations be contagious to us all. @ Mani Oommen, as she explained that not all desire is bad. If your desire has a positive motivation to help others and rid this world of suffering from war, disease, depression and delusion then that is a noble desire. 

[lavkumaratluri]

Four noble truths--- very well explained---Thank you

[EnthusiasticBuddhist]

Thanks for your lovely feedback. :) Compassion arises from the wisdom we gain through meditation and from understanding the Buddhist teachings on impermanence, no-self, karma and suffering. Basically as our awareness increases, we see how our suffering and other’s suffering is created and this naturally gives rise to compassion in us. I spoke a little on compassion, related to the wisdom of letting go, in my last episode, but I’ll reference it more in the future and do a video by itself on it.:)

[jackchorn]

I once experienced 100% happiness.
It came in a flash- I erupted into a fit of laughter and tears of joy. As the emotion settled in I became to realize that the source was slipping from me as a dream does when you try to recall the details.
I felt sadness and frustration that it had slipped away but the flash remained in faith and still today it gives me relief.

[bigtimeguy]

This has been extremely helpful. My own spiritual journey that I've only begun has lead me to buddhism. It makes sense and feels right. I look forward to my continued studies in this way of life. I thank you for the video. I plan to view your other videos.

[subashkantibaruanepal]

Thank you very much for explaining about The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path with very clearly. From Bangladesh.

[HarrySmith-hriv]

Thank you Mindah-Lee Kumar. That was a superb presentation. I learnt the methodology of Theravada Buddhist Meditation in 1980. And I still use it to this day. But I still go to Church at Christmas and have a Christmas Tree, and keep a Buddha-Statue-Image in my front room. Christianity and Buddhism both teach of a God of Loving Kindness and Compassion so I have no problem with this amalgamation.

[EnthusiasticBuddhist]

I think real wisdom can only give rise to compassion, irrespective of how that wisdom is acquired.

[bsm]

Great video! So glad I found buddhism when I felt lost, only focused on myself and was always searching for happiness which made me more unhappy. I've been a terrible friend, girlfriend and daughter but, finally, thanks to buddhism and its teachings I think I will be on track again. :)

[mathewburt]

Vital explanation. In order to minimizing 'suffer, the Buddhist teaching can be applicable for any one, under any circumstances. thanks for sharing      

[WealthyBubble]

The Buddha Said, , (5 status)
1."Truth is not something outside to be discovered, it is something inside to be realized.”

2.“Fame is foolish, it is pointless, meaningless. Even if the whole world knows you, how does it make you richer? How does it make your life more blissful? How does it help you to be more understanding, to be more aware? To be more alert, to be more alive?”

3.“Help the world to become better. Don't leave the world just the same as you have found it - make it a little better, make it a little more beautiful.”

4.“Life is very simple. Just sometimes put your head away, sometimes behead yourself, sometimes look with no clouds in the eyes - just look. Sometimes sit by the side of a tree - just feel. By the side of a waterfall - listen. Lie down on the beach and listen to the roar of the ocean, feel the sand, the coolness of it, or look at the stars, and let that silence penetrate you. Or look at the dark night and let that velvety darkness surround you, envelop you, dissolve you. This is the way of the simple heart.” Who is a bad man and who is a good man? What is the definition? The bad man is one who is inconsiderate of others. The bad man is one who uses others and has no respect for others. The bad man is one who thinks he is the center of the world and everybody is just to be used. Everything exists for him. The bad man is one who thinks that other persons are just means for his gratification.

5.“People remember the spiritual path only when nothing else seems to help. In deep hopelessness they remember. But it is only when you are full of hope, radiant, vibrating; when there is meaning in your life, when you feel the hands of destiny in your life, when you are riding on waves, when you feel at the top of the world - those are the moments to remember, to move towards the way.”

[EdSwart]

I have been searching for fundamental teachings delivered in a straightforward practical way that my sons (age 12 & 14) can comprehend and (be willing to) absorb in short sessions...
finally I have found our teacher.  Mindah-Lee Kumar thank you so much.
Your unassuming manner and matter-of-fact delivery are perfect for western youth and adults alike.   बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद