The Four Noble Truths Of Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion that focuses on spiritual development and achieving a state void of suffering, known as Nirvana. It was founded in India about 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama, a Nepali prince. Gautama lived a sheltered life, and was thus oblivious to the suffering around him. However, hardships were revealed to him when he encountered an elderly, frail man, a depressed man suffering from disease, and a family grieving the death of a loved one. Once Gautama was exposed to the poor conditions of living outside of his palace, he was inspired to leave his luxurious life to seek liberation from human suffering. Gautama tried meditation and intense fasting, but they did not help him find enlightenment. He was finally led to enlightenment …show more content…
These teachings are the principles that Buddha came to understand during his meditation under the Bodhi tree. The four noble truths include the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering. The truth of suffering is also known as Dukkha. According to Buddha, the root of suffering stems from human desire. The inability to become truly satisfied is the source of suffering. The second noble truth, Samudaya, explains the three roots of evil that cause suffering: greed and desire, ignorance, and hatred. Nirodha, or the end of suffering, is the third noble truth. Through this truth, Buddha teaches how one can end their suffering by eliminating desire. The extinguishing of desire to reach enlightenment is called Nirvana. The last noble truth is Magga, the path to the end of …show more content…
The Buddhist calendar is based on the moon, meaning that Buddhists use the lunar calendar. Making a visit to a local temple is usually how a Buddhist festival day begins. At the temple, people oftentimes offer food to monks and listen to the teachings of Buddha. They might also distribute food to the poor, chant, and meditate. The most important festival in the Buddhist religion is Vesak or Buddha Day which is Buddha’s birthday. This festival is celebrated on the first full moon day in May and commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Overall, Buddhism revolves around the life of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha. Buddhists attempt to live the way that Buddha did so that they may improve themselves, and one day be free of