The Four Noble Truths






Author: Linmu

Now, let's review:

  1. The only thing we know in this world is consciousness, which consists of five aspects: form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. These five aspects are referred to as the Five Aggregates. The characteristics of the Five Aggregates are that they are conditionally arising, impermanent, conditioned, subject to change, ownerless, not self, and not belonging to a self. This is the true nature of the world.

  2. Consciousness is the result of the interaction between the senses and objects in the mind. When consciousness arises, the senses, objects, and consciousness together form a person, sentient being, or life. If the arising consciousness is ignorant of the true nature of the world, it may develop tendencies of liking or disliking due to its experiences of suffering, pleasure, or neutrality. These tendencies are accompanied by thoughts of greed or aversion. Just as a tilted flame can ignite nearby flammable objects when blown by the wind, these thoughts can lead to the arising of new senses and objects, resulting in the rebirth of consciousness and life.

  3. If consciousness arises with complete awareness and mindfulness, there will be no tendencies of liking or disliking. Without corresponding thoughts, new consciousness will not arise, leading to the cessation of consciousness or life.

  4. If people understand that giving, observing ethical conduct, and performing virtuous or unvirtuous actions lead to corresponding consequences in this life and the next, and that there are cycles of rebirth in virtuous and unvirtuous paths, as well as methods to be reborn in virtuous paths or attain liberation, they will strive to regulate their speech and behavior, engage in virtuous deeds, and avoid unvirtuous actions. They will find inner peace and fearlessness by recalling the good deeds they have done. This inner peace will lead to joy, a willingness to listen to virtuous teachings, with the teachings of the Buddha being the most revered. By frequently listening to the teachings and contemplating the Four Noble Truths, individuals will aspire to realize them personally. To achieve this, people may renounce worldly life, isolate themselves from distractions, cultivate virtue, and eradicate unwholesome behavior.

By dwelling in mindfulness and clear comprehension, overcoming the five hindrances of desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt, individuals will experience joy, attain the first jhana, and progress to the second, third, and fourth jhanas. The mind in the fourth jhana is like a fire without wind, impartial, steady, free from greed, aversion, and delusion, understanding the arising and ceasing of consciousness, and attaining self-liberation.

Therefore, for anyone seeking liberation: 1. Understand the true nature of consciousness. 2. Understand and eliminate the conditions that give rise to consciousness. 3. Understand and realize right knowledge and liberation. 4. Understand and practice the Eightfold Path of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

This concludes the series on the truth. Originally intended to be just a few articles, it turned out to be more extensive. These are theories based on my personal experience, aimed at providing a realistic perspective on methods of liberation. However, my wisdom is limited, and these are only generalizations, not rigorous explanations. I hope readers will approach them with a discerning attitude.