What are the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Noble Truths are the heart of Buddhist philosophy, but they wouldn't have been the first thing we encountered when learning the teaching. We will look at where they fit into the path, then each of the truths in turn, and finish with a different take on the teaching, as tasks or practices.
🧡 If you get benefit out of these videos and would like to lend a hand in exchange for fun benefits, check out my Patreon page at / dougsseculardharma
🧡 You can also make donations through: paypal.me/dougsdharma
✅ Suttas mentioned in this video:
Upāli Sutta (MN 56.18): suttacentral.net/en/mn56
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11): suttacentral.net/en/sn56.11
-------------------------
Please visit the Secular Buddhist Association webpage!
secularbuddhism.org/
My material can be found here:
secularbuddhism.org/author/doug/

[@DougsDharma]

Check out my new free-mini course and other courses on early Buddhism, at onlinedharma.org/

[@tranquil_dude]

I think many people, when they read of the 2nd Noble Truth, would naturally question, "If there's no craving, how would we be motivated to do anything?" The answer starts to become clear when one realises that craving is not the same as motivation. Craving is incessant and subconcious. It constantly spurs one to do things he/she cannot really justify. (although the mind tends to cover that up by finding "justifications" afterwards).

[@DougsDharma]

Indeed Baoquing Ye. I did an earlier video on the role of desire in suffering that gets at some of this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJa2mYGlir2hrtk

[@chriskaplan6109]

Well said!

[@Ptah-Tatenen]

I think the things the Buddha said about pleasures couldnt be more true. I see it alot that people just go on a vacation just to be stressed there or distracting themselves from all the other stress. I would consider the things the Buddha said of really profound wisdom. Thanks for sharing these teachings!

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Perdous!

[@SHurd-rc2go]

Thank you, Doug. I've subscribed on this my other account. A practitioner for 40 years, the 4 Noble Truths have been my study for 20 years. I so appreciate your view. I am a country away from my former sangha, so appreciate all your teachings. Sid

[@DougsDharma]

I understand Sid, it can be difficult to practice when we're away from a sangha we enjoy. Glad that you are able to get something out of these videos! Be well. 🙏

[@NickRyanBayon]

Question, I got as far as what they call being an Arya or aware if awareness but I'm wondering does the 8 fold path lead to a permanent state? As in is nirvana permanent?

[@DougsDharma]

Those are good questions Flux it. I did an earlier video about them awhile back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpytoaNtp7N1iqM

[@santelang]

“Many have died; you also will die. The drum of death is being beaten. The world has fallen in love with a dream. Only sayings of the wise will remain.”_ Saint Kabir

[@sarahlynnisfunny]

Profound wisdom my friend. This is changing my life for the better!

[@DougsDharma]

Very glad to hear it Sarah. There will be ups and downs, but keep on! 🙏

[@martynsnan]

Great description, Doug. I saw a Christian discussion on KZbin where they mocked the Buddhist idea of suffering, assuming the word was meant in the sense we use it in the West. Their answer was that you would have complete peace by surrendering to Jesus. I would like to think that they were describing their beliefs accurately but, in my long life, I haven't met many laid-back Christians who understood the nature of their dissatisfactions. Thanks for another great video.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks a lot martynsnan, glad you liked it!

[@NickRyanBayon]

There are many paths to ignorance and few paths to peace, if your heart seeks it will find.

[@franciscoibannez2842]

A huge thank u from Argentina- Buenisimo!

[@DougsDharma]

De nada Francisco, me alegro de que te ha gustado. 🙏

[@skyjacobson7148]

Super informative! I’m new to studying Buddhism but so interested. Thanks for taking the time to film these

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to help!

[@carinahuynh4998]

Doug, thank you for clear explanation. This was the first topic to learn in my Meditation class at my Bao Lin Chan Monastery. The Four Noble Truths helps us contemplate on our experiences, thoughts and actions, hence reminds us that we are in control of our lives and can improve our present and future karma. Amituofo 🙏

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Carina, yes this is a wonderful teaching, the heart of the Buddha's message. 🙏

[@benhartlieb6018]

Really helpful explanation, thank you. Just the right depth and length.

[@ravisworld6542]

I love you Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Ravisworld! Much mettā. 🙏

[@lientrankim8055]

Very good for us in our life when we understand for Four noble truths . Thank you very much.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Liên Trần Kim. Thanks for watching. 🙏

[@blaketurpen5796]

I see why this is an advanced teaching from the buddha. I taking notes and I've found myself saying "well how do I do that" a couple times. I'm sure the four noble truths will be like a photo coming into focus as I learn more about buddhism. ☸️

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's very compact and compressed, it encompasses a huge amount of knowledge and practice.

[@pastlifeconnection8225]

Love this. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@robertlasiter9856]

Hi your subscriber here and I just want to say thank you for actually explaining what the Four Noble Truths are and I understand no matter what we do when we explain any things or ideas there will be a bias no matter what even if it's very small and that's the problem I've had when trying to look for information on Buddhism and the Buddhist teaching is that every person but I found has either tried to tell me what they think about it how they feel about it. I will definitely browsing your channel and watching all your videos thank you for what you were doing

[@DougsDharma]

You’re very welcome Robert. We all can only present the information as we understand it, but I do try my best to be as objective as I can about the information I present.

[@SweetP48]

Doug, thanks so much for this explanation of the four Noble Truths. I've watched it a couple of times. It contains so much wisdom, and . you're giving a very clear description of it. Will probably watch it a few more times to really grasp all the nuances.

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it's helpful! 🙏😊

[@seesharpminor7996]

I just discovered your channel a few days ago, and I must say your explanations are comprehensive yet concise. I watch other Buddhist channels such as the Canadian monk Yuttadhammo Bhikku and also The Buddhist Society of Western Australia. Their content is excellent too. Kind regards and keep up the good work 😁

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks very much OU812 M8. It’s nice to be included in such illustrious company! 😄

[@kimjane7626]

Thank you so much for this explanation Doug. I can understand better now!!

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it was helpful!

[@buddhismforchildren3807]

Thank you for doing these videos.

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure! 🙏

[@patrickacolifloresvillasen1731]

Thank you, Doug! ❤

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome!

[@pchabanowich]

The TV won’t let me hit a like or subscribe, or comment. Chintzy! Please be assured that I catch all your great talks, and I appreciate your clear, generous delivery. My practice (meditation) is only five years old, though I’ve benefited enormously from a friendship with a fellow with whom I studied Zen then other Buddhist literature and thought, and still continue. I’ve avoided being part of a Sangha, perhaps as a withdrawal from a very gregarious and public career. When I encounter your talks, I’m so thankful for your efforts in the midst of our rather chaotic times. Thank you also for encouraging us to write to you. Bless.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Peter, very kind of you to say. Yes KZbin on TV can be a bit fiddly! Be well and keep up your practice. 🙏

[@kellycushing2904]

Great video! Thank you!

[@DougsDharma]

You are welcome, Kelly!

[@PspiralifeTutorials]

Very valuable explanation thanks very much

[@DougsDharma]

You’re very welcome Pspiralife. 🙏

[@jimmccloskey4744]

Really great intro, Doug! I was struck by the impermanence of things today and so I really enjoyed your presentation. Cheers, Jim

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure, Jim. Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@nishan375]

Meicine for the mind. මනසට බෙහෙත්. සාදු සාදු සාදු

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's right! Thanks Nishan.

[@sudaththaliyanaarachchi4520]

Very good. I am a sri lankan. A buddhist.

[@DougsDharma]

Great to hear Sudaththa! 🙏🙂

[@vloke9680]

Thank you, wonderfully explained. I am understanding the 4 noble truths a lot more.

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephinesaj4391]

This has made the 4 noble truths easier to understand.

[@DougsDharma]

That's great to hear Josephine. Thanks for the comment!

[@mapleandsteel]

Interesting how the meaning changes based on what translation is used. As an Indian, through this process of discovering Buddhism, I like to look up the original words such as Dukha to understand the more 'accurate' understanding of the word. I do feel it is important to use wordier translations if the translation is more correct, lest we run with mistranslations of the Dharma like Žižek (whom I otherwise respect) or Nietzsche.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, translation is always going to be complicated, but we also don't want to make it difficult to read in English.

[@grndragon7777777]

One of your best videos

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@FrederickStepanis]

Thank you

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure, Fred.

[@sandeepbehera3381]

You are doing a great work. Keep it up man

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks, will do my best! 😀

[@sandeepbehera3381]

@@DougsDharma I have a question, "is ignorance cause of all suffering?" and I want to know about IGNORANCE from Buddhist perspective. Besides that I want to know about SKEPTICISM. Can you please elaborate in an video about these above topics. I am eagerly waiting for your reply..🙏

[@MacDruid1776]

Hi Doug, "suffering" as a concept makes more sense to me than "unsatisfactory". "suffering" also gets my attention better from marketing perspective. Your mileage my vary. Cheers, Kim

[@DougsDharma]

Hi MacDruid and thanks for the comment! Yes, “suffering” is a perfectly good translation of “dukkha”, probably the most standard one. It is attention-grabbing that’s for sure, but it can also turn some folks off since it may sound too negative. It requires unpacking about what kind of suffering we are talking about. After all, physical pain for example doesn’t go away when we reach the third Noble Truth. The Buddha still experienced physical pain. That said, if it works for you that’s great go with it, it’s certainly not wrong! 😄

[@donpitts8425]

Thank you Doug for the excellent description of the Four Noble Truths. It has helped me to gain a better understanding.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Don, glad you found it useful!

[@stormshadow2k]

Having seen quite a few of your videos and enjoyed and learned from almost every single one, this is the one I wish was way, way longer. That being said my intention is not to take away anything from the quality of the content and presentation it self. So here I am craving more nowledge being served to me, hahaha ;)

[@DougsDharma]

Yes this is just an intro ... I do plan to do more on the Four Noble Truths sometime in the not too distant future though. 😀

[@shirleycolee861]

Well done.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Shirley! 🙏

[@nutsocket]

good video--thank you

[@DougsDharma]

You’re very welcome Mark!

[@shrandesign]

Doug sorry, It might be that I'm just watching this way too late in the evening but I need some clarification, I hope that you can see this. So at the end of the video, you started talking about these noble truths, that they should be viewed as tasks to be understood. If i can reword it, and tell me if i am correct or wrong: being aware of the four truths as applied to one's life and experience. Much love, Doug. You are an amazing teacher.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks so much! Yes, I think you're on the right path. For more on the idea of the "truths" as "tasks" see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXysna1rfsRjfqM

[@xykpctzzfx819]

I'm really glad that I found this video! Now I understand the meaning of the four noble truth clearly. I have to report about the four noble truth in front of our class and I really don't have any idea about it. Thank you so much for this video it really help a lot.

[@DougsDharma]

You’re very welcome Jenny! I hope your class report goes well. Stop back sometime and let us know! 🙏

[@kievbunthoeun5212]

thanks

[@DougsDharma]

You're welcome KIEV!

[@simplebuddhism]

Good explaine 🔥

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks much! 🙏😊

[@tmarshmellowman]

Really appreciate the rarity of this quality scholasticism from a practitioner (I assume). Keep up the damn fine work, please :)

[@DougsDharma]

I'll do my best, Taylor. Thanks!

[@Donkey2_]

Really good and informative video on the Four Noble Truths. Your explanation makes it easier to understand and grasp the true meanings of it. Thank you very much for your teachings.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Donkey 2! In case you're interested, right now I'm doing a more in-depth look at the Four Noble Truths in four separate videos. The first one is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJm2XnyOZ6iJopo . I just released the second one today, and the last two will come out next week.

[@johnhaller7017]

Thus, the wheel of Dharma is set in motion. The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are the rotating engine(wheel) that destroys the defilements and in doing so, opens up release from suffering, proportionately. Just as the wheel of becoming, further enmeshes us in ignorance and suffering if we are heedless and multiply it's causation, then by learning and training ourselves in the prescriptive, wholesome and supporting factors of the FNT's and NEP we create the supporting factors that eventually create the impetus for the wheel of Dharma to rotate and displace Dukkha and ignorance. with freedom and certainty that we are on the right track. The Lord Buddha, having been re united with his former companions, who had endured similar training to himself, thought that they might be receptive to what he had achieved. By reciting these factors of the Dharma to them, one of the companions, Kondanna, attained to the first level of enlightenement (Stream Entry) . Powerful is this healing medicine of the Dharma.

[@DougsDharma]

That’s right John, thanks!

[@gabrielchan4359]

love you

[@DougsDharma]

🙏

[@parinitashaileshramteke7454]

Thanks for making the video, please make more videos on Buddhism ☺️🙏

[@DougsDharma]

That's the plan!

[@kahlschlag17]

My view is that at our very core we are at peace and complete. We find ourselves however in a world of lack, competition and uncertainty. Hence there arises the notion to escape fear, cling to a perceived refuge and escape into the pursuit of pleasure.

[@taibanganbanongthombam9940]

Ty

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome!

[@dvjturngwongputhon3964]

สาธุครับ🙏🙏🙏❤️🇹🇭

[@DougsDharma]

🙏🙂

[@meditemoscl5019]

Hi Doug . Hello I have questions for you hoping you could give light to these doubts. 1.- If I’m awakened or enlightened, am I free from all three kinds of Dukkha? 2.- If I’m already enlightened or awakened, what would my response be when my son or daughter dies in an accident? Will I still be free from Dukkha? 3.- When I’m enlightened I don’t even categorize sensations as pleasant or unpleasant? Are they just sensations (feelings)?

[@Socrates...]

Develop appreciation for blandness so that when small pleasures happen they are amplified. Appreciate your own company so that a harmonious life of the mind comes into play. Cultivate an enjoyment of mundane tasks so that you can self regulate your inner clockwork.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for your thoughts Socrates.

[@HumanBeingYoga]

Hi Doug. Thank you for sharing this. A couple of questions came to mind as I was watching: - Knowing that all things are impermanent, and attachment to impermanent things causes suffering, how do we ordinary non-monastics go about forming meaningful relationships and connections with other people whilst still observing the four noble truths? - You mentioned that clinging to forms of entertainment and art/media can be a cause/effect of suffering as well. Is there a place for art and human expression within Buddhism and if so, are there conditions?

[@DougsDharma]

These are great questions Rebecca, and to an extent the answers to them depend on how deeply one wants to get into dharma practice. If one only wants to do meditation and live a respectably ethical life, then one really doesn't need to worry about such things. If you are concerned, I have several videos that might be useful. For your first question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6XblneJqNKLgLs For your second question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5W8fYuPq99ppaM

[@HumanBeingYoga]

@@DougsDharmaThank you!

[@adrianbishop8510]

Hi Doug. I just came across your channel and I really enjoy your videos, they are so inspirational, informative and very clear; you really help communicate things so simply. I am at the beginning of my journey to exploring and learning Buddhism, so I’m grateful to have found your teachings. One thing I’m a bit confused about though, regarding the first noble truth: suffering. From you’ve said about this, I’ve taken to mean that having desires, cravings and even maybe goals, always leads to ‘suffering’ - disappointment or a sense of unsatisfaction, I think is how you describe it. If that’s the case, then is the first noble truth in essence questioning the validity or even the purpose of having cravings, and goals, if ultimately we still are lead to the same dissatisfied feeling? Yet, by not having cravings or desires or goals, are we at risk of living an unfulfilled life, which ultimately is suffering in itself? This to me seems a contradiction. So surely it is better to have cravings, desires and goals then not? Isn’t is it essentially a part of what makes us human to have these things - to have needs and wants? Many thanks 🙏

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Adrian, you are asking a deep question that would take too long for me to answer in a short reply here. I will leave you with one response and a video that might be helpful. The response is to see for yourself what is true in your own experience. That really is the heart of practice, and there is no other way to go about it. The other video that might be helpful is this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIXUmpWCgr5kgq8 🙏

[@adrianbishop8510]

Doug's Secular Dharma thank you for a speedy reply. So I guess it’s really about ones own interpretation of the practice, which may include tolerance and acceptance? Thanks again 🙏

[@DougsDharma]

Well, what it means is that some of our desires and goals are worthwhile and should be pursued -- they are to our long-term benefit -- and others are not. There are guidelines in the suttas but in the final analysis the only way to find out which ones work for oneself if one has doubts is to try them and see. 🙂

[@rasikasandamali6260]

First noble truth is "Duka" can be referred to as "sadness". Thanks for your efforts!

[@FactsCountdown]

Humanity is trapped in perpetual loop of desires and suffering. Every generation is chasing the same old ancient desires and it has become endless chase. It's same as animals do. Only way to stop this endless craving is to stop bringing new people into existence. Can you make a video on opinion of Gautam Buddha on antinatalism.

[@DougsDharma]

I will have a related video out in a few weeks. 🙏

[@stephaniecarrillopire7869]

Hello Doug! I really love your videos, I'm new to all this but it's really giving me a new perspective on life, and I'm grateful. I have a question about craving, what's the difference between craving and ambition? Is craving an inherent part of the human being?

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Stephanie, I have a video on that general topic you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eneXo5eHbKuFfLs

[@beexv8857]

Very interesting video indeed, really enjoying learning from you so far! It's been great starting my mornings learning something new and finding a new or different way of looking and approaching things. I was wondering I understand how people can look for a distraction going to concerts or vacations to run away from dissatisfaction. But if that's not the case and you want to instead indulge in new experiences that bring you joy or happiness, would you say that is still a bad craving that could lead to dissatisfaction? I feel that if you're not distracting yourself from unhappiness then doing the things you love is what helps you live in the moment. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Again thank you for another fantastic video! ^_^

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Riley! I think it really depends on the case. But in general the Buddha's point is that happiness that comes from sense pleasures is limiting and productive of suffering. There's nothing unethical about laypeople nevertheless gaining happiness through sense pleasures: that's sort of what it is to live a lay life. But it does mean that we are going to be prone to more suffering and feelings of unsatisfactoriness than we would otherwise.

[@VasiaMple]

@@DougsDharma so, if i understand well, because i had exactly the same question, if i think: i will be happy if have this new experience is craving and brings suffering. But i feel happy but i wanna have this new experience not to become happier but just because something that i enjoy, i am curious to see new places, people, learn new cultures. Without any expectations just because it interesting for me, this is again something that can bring suffering? I might make the same question, i don't know. I am a little bit confused. Otherwise what? I will not do anything in my life??????

[@starrynight43451]

I have read What the Buddha taught by Rahula. In that book, the author describes the origin of suffering as Ignorance. He says, it was because of ignorance that craving starts.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, that is one way to look at it IshD. 🙂

[@PRPlathXavier]

Hi Doug Many thanks for your work. I see your this as a very meritful initiative and for me personally a very big help. Would it be possible to let me have your opinion on one query about the first noble truth, that I will divide in two points: 1 - I am assuming that the existing of suffering in all the enumerated aspects of life is seen as a complement to the existence of pleasure/satisfaction as in a dualistic relation, pretty much as in a taoist perspective. Is this a correct interpretation? or is there a better way to look at it? 2 - If so, ist there in the sutras any mention on how much of existence is suffering and pleasure? ex: 50/50 for each? or is there an assumption that although suffering is always present the "amount" of pleasure/satisfaction can be of a higher value? or it can never overcome the "value/amount" of suffering/dissatisfaction. If there is such a reference can you let me know where I can find such a reference? Many thanks and please continue the great work, I believe we all need it.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Paulo, thanks for watching! As to your question, I don't think the early suttas look at the issue in the way you suggest. There is no attempt to balance suffering (unsatisfactoriness) with pleasure. ALL life is considered unsatisfactory, even the pleasurable parts. The pleasurable parts are unsatisfactory in leading to craving. What is "satisfactory" on this picture isn't pleasure, its more akin to non-attachment or equanimity.

[@PRPlathXavier]

Thanks Doug, most clarifying and helpful.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Paulo. I'm glad it was helpful to you. 🙏

[@stephenrizzo]

Doug, are you aware of any textual variants of the first discourse? I have heard that there are that are very different from what is in the Pali Canon, but I have not seen any translations on the web. Thanks.

[@DougsDharma]

There are textual variants, but I haven't looked into them. That would be an interesting question.

[@Fascistbeast]

A very good video Thanks 👍 Dukkha can also mean Stress Sanskrit is a complicated language Birth is Stressful can also mean Rebirth is Stressful Which the Pali Canon describes as being born again or Samsara.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, Thanissaro translates dukkha as "stress". I think it does work in certain circumstances. But note that the language is Pāli rather than Sanskrit. (Pāli is a dialect of Sanskrit).

[@JesseHueb]

Hi Doug, I have a question about joy and pleasure. Should we not allow ourselves to find the joy and pleasure in life? This is one of the things I am wrestling with as I practice secular Buddhism.

[@DougsDharma]

I did a video on that general topic awhile back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipe0qp2Ch5aVrNE

[@chad8040]

Taking highschool World history this helps a lot

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it Chad!

[@johnwillans3107]

Thanks for a very useful teaching Doug. I think to understand the Four Noble Truths as a call to action is brilliant advice.

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome, John. Glad you found it useful!

[@AnattaAnattata]

สาธุ! สาธุ! สาธุ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@DougsDharma]

🙏🙂

[@nathanwatches]

Hi Doug, someone in a youtube video said that the 4NT are contradictory because according to him the causes of suffering is desire and the desire to get rid of that desire is itself contradictory. I know he is wrong but how do we explain it succinctly. Thx.

[@DougsDharma]

Ha! That is the view ascribed to Uṇṇābha the Brahmin in an early Buddhist text. I discuss it and the general question about desire in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJa2mYGlir2hrtk . The quick answer though is that the second Noble Truth doesn't say that desire is the cause of dukkha. It says that thirst or craving is. Craving is not the same as desire. Awakened beings are said to have desires but they lack cravings. I get into issues with some nuances about craving also in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIXUmpWCgr5kgq8 Enjoy!🙂

[@hhschrader8067]

I never understood why "suffering" plays such a central role in Buddhism. Calling it "unsatisfactory" does not really change that. Overcoming it would never be a central objective to me. I always desired to live completely and I always thought all shades of pleasant and unpleasant, bearable and unbearable (and everything inbetween) were essential. What surpasses the feeling of being alive? Zazen helped me accepting and enjoying what I have. I know all of it will eventually pass away. Some of it stays with me as long as I live. I do not lose it, it does not lose me. I doubt I would ever be a good Buddhist... just sitting and breathing feels fine.

[@DougsDharma]

Right, well the "suffering" at issue in Buddhism is more directly the mental turmoil, ruminations, and obsessions that lead us to be greedy, hateful, and deluded. If you aren't seeing those in your life, then you are fortunate indeed, and won't need this sort of practice! 🙂

[@hhschrader8067]

@@DougsDharma thanks for your friendly answer. Of course I'm greedy at times, deluded often enough if not always, hateful I avoid. But this is part of being human and life. I do not make a cult of it, I remind myself not to get stuck to it. I'll never be without it. So I forgive myself as I try to forgive others. My practise would rather aim to forgive than to transcend. My Zazen helps me to accept myself, my life, others as they are. Thanks for being kind. 😀

[@SpiritualStuntman]

Very well done, thank you for sharing your work with the world❤

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure! Glad it was useful. 🙏

[@aronmindfulman7727]

The Four Noble Truths came later in the Buddha's teachings. My understanding is that one thing the Buddha understood while under the Bodhi Tree was dependent co-arising. The standard Theravadan teaching is that it occurs over three lifetimes which makes it difficult to see how it can work in our lifetime. Ajahn Buddadhasa had a different understanding that does explain how it works in our lifetime. Recently, one of his students, Santikaro, translated Buddhdasa's talks on the matter which is available in a book entitled Under the Bodhi Tree: Buddha's Original Vision of Dependent Co-arising. To me, it fits very well with secular Buddhism. Will you be discussing dependent co-arising in one of your forthcoming videos?

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for your thoughts, Aron. I will be discussing Dependent Origination in a later video.

[@nishan375]

Love how the buddha taught that we are responsible for our own well being.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it makes our own practice central.

[@patrickcahill4396]

Hi Doug! I apologise if I have asked this question before; Thich Nhat Hanh states that it is a common misunderstanding that craving is the only cause of suffering. He goes on to state that Craving just happened to be first on 'the list' and that this was a way of shortening suttas. Have you any thoughts on that?

[@DougsDharma]

Great question, Patrick. Indeed, this is something of a conundrum in Buddhist philosophy. Sometimes the cause of suffering is put as craving, as in the Noble Truths, but sometimes it is put as ignorance, as in the twelve-link chain of Dependent Origination. I think the general understanding is that ignorance is the deeper cause, but craving is the more proximate cause.

[@martynsnan]

May I add that aversion is also a culprit. Trying to avoid an experience you don't like can lead to suffering because you are constantly running away and frightened that you might have to face it. This compulsion is another face of craving or attachment even though it appears to be the opposite.

[@DougsDharma]

Good point. Really in Buddhism "craving" is a kind of technical term that covers both desire and aversion.

[@patrickcahill4396]

Doug's Secular Dharma I asked the same question of Shinzen Young on a different platform and he seemed somewhat irritated by it. I feel it a pertinent question if it is often repeated that 'Craving' is 'The' cause of suffering when further study indicates it to be more than that. Thanks for the reply Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Patrick!

[@erinmaefischer2164]

Would it be helpful to think of them as ENnobling Truths?

[@DougsDharma]

Sure Erin, they can also be thought of that way. Some modern scholars prefer that sort of interpretation.

[@SA-ww1ge]

❤️ur studies. I understand noble truth refers to one practicing the total path leading to liberation is noble. If u practice these without practicing the full path it’s not necessarily noble.

[@taliakellegg5978]

i'm trying to understand the first one like me and my brother own an xbox so he's on it like half the time so should i not want to use it? and i also use my moms laptop she uses for business trips so usually nobody else is using it but there's a possibility someone might need it from me, so when should i want something and when shou'd i not want something, and is it only for material things or made up things like i might want more confidence but i don't have any confidence, so should i just chill with what i do have

[@DougsDharma]

I wouldn't worry about it too much Ryan. Don't think of it as a "should" or "shouldn't", but rather see how the wanting feels to you from the inside. Sit with it for awhile. Feel what it's like to be generous and what it's like to be stingy. It's a balance.

[@taliakellegg5978]

@@DougsDharma ok thanks that helps

[@stevevest7206]

The idea that the Four Noble Truths are an advanced topic isn't something I am familiar with. When I hear advanced topic mentioned, it is usually with regard to rebirth. Thank you.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it seems to have been a topic mostly given to monastics and a very few laypeople that the Buddha felt were ready for it. After all, it's easy to misconstrue the First Noble Truth for example.

[@coke39stgo]

Hello I have questions for you hoping you could give light to these doubts. 1.- If I’m awakened or enlightened, am I free from all three kinds of Dukkha? 2.- If I’m already enlightened or awakened, what would my response be when my son or daughter dies in an accident? Will I still be free from Dukkha? 3.- When I’m enlightened I don’t even categorize sensations as pleasant or unpleasant? Are they just sensations (feelings)?

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Jorge and thanks for the questions! I have no personal experience with the awakened state so I can only go on supposition and what we find in the early texts. Those say that we are free from dukkha when we are awakened. However that does not mean we are free from unpleasant sensations: the Buddha says he was in pain during times when he was teaching, with sickness and with a bad back for example. What was removed was the "second arrow" of lamentation and mental anguish. Similarly when someone close to you dies, we can look at when the Buddha's two closest disciples died. He said he was without sorrow and lamentation, although he also spoke movingly of their passing. It may be that there is a subtle difference between the unpleasant mental sensation of losing someone close to you and the lamentation and mental anguish that constitute the second arrow of pain in that circumstance as well.

[@coke39stgo]

Doug's Secular Dharma than you. If the Buddha once awakened felt back pain , this means he was experiencing the first type of Duhkha (Dukkha-dukkha). Does this means that he was not really awakened? Or is it that the awakened state is impermanent too and it goes on changing? Can we be free from Dukkha and still keep on categorizing feelings as pleasant or unpleasant? Is it that just by the act of categorizing feelings as pleasant or unpleasant we are already in dukkha?. My students are asking me this.

[@DougsDharma]

Your students are asking important questions. The Buddha is the paradigmatic awakened being, so if he wasn't awakened, it's hard to understand how anyone could be. So we have to follow descriptions of him in the suttas to get some idea what that state might be like. Recall that in the old texts there are two stages to awakening: awakening with remainder and awakening without remainder. Awakening with remainder occurs in this lifetime, and does include ordinary physical pains. The Buddha talked about resting in "a pleasant abiding here-and-now", which was jhāna meditation. He also talked about undergoing physical pain. So the Buddha did feel pleasant and unpleasant. One cannot escape pleasant and unpleasant; feeling tone (vedana) is a normal part of life. Awakening with remainder involves knowing vedana for what it is: changing, unsatisfactory, nonself. When one attains awakening without remainder then all dukkha of all kinds ceases with the breakup of the body.

[@coke39stgo]

Doug's Secular Dharma . Thanks Doug. Your comment about the awakening with reminder helped me a lot !!!!!!!

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Jorge! I realized that I never clarified that awakening without remainder occurs at parinibbāna. 🙂

[@rainynight02]

I remember reading something along the lines of "The Buddha said all you need to follow his teachings is to know the four Noble truths." So this is far different from what I know.

[@DougsDharma]

Well in a way of understanding it, the Four Noble Truths encompass all of the Buddha's teachings. I'm not sure what is different here from what you know, though. 🙂

[@rainynight02]

@@DougsDharma I only saw the first few minutes before I had to deal with other things. Just that statement, that the 4 Noble Truths are an "advanced" so to speak, lesson is different from what I've heard before.

[@hailey4786]

say for example my town was holding a fair with rides and games and things like that, would it be ok for me to want to go with my friends? im not quite understanding the second truth. would it be unsatisfactory for me to go on a vacation or things like that? /gen

[@DougsDharma]

Well it's "unsatisfactory" in the sense that any fun you have would be only temporary; it would come to an end. If you cling to it, which most of us do, then you will end up being disappointed when it ends. It's normal for you to want to go, and indeed there's nothing wrong with you going unless you're a monastic who should be spending your time in dharma study and meditation! 😄

[@lucyflanagan3628]

Help me out. I'm having trouble seeing the logic connecting the 4 Noble Truths and Right View, as in ethical principles and "wisdom". Granted, if you can't crave, what's left? Is ethics and wisdom the only answer?

[@DougsDharma]

Well it’s not that you can’t crave, it’s that you begin to figure out how craving just brings pain and makes your life worse, so you begin to crave less. This opens up a fuller, happier life. Treating others kindly is the same kind of thing.

[@david-jr5fn]

I'm thinking of an old person who is bent over with a pain in their back, the Buddha would say that they are suffering because they are clinging, what are they clinging to, other then life I guess

[@DougsDharma]

Not exactly, check out this video of mine on the "two arrows": kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGSwqGWnfsqIpJY

[@lucyflanagan3628]

Website with fuller treatment of subject - Booker Bodi's? Not on long enough to copy.

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Lucy, that would be Bhikkhu Bodhi. I can't remember which the website was, but you should be able to pause the video and write it down.

[@ElectricChaplain]

This idea of "seeking pleasure here and there" makes far too much sense for how I feel about my life right now.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it's something we all tend to get ourselves into somehow! 😀

[@HighMonkeyMonk]

What was the first and second thing he was teaching?

[@DougsDharma]

How do you mean HighMonkey? The Four Noble Truths do appear in the version of the Buddha's first sermon that has come down to us, but not right at the beginning of that sermon.

[@r_shadt896]

Homework check 📚

[@DougsDharma]

I hope it helps RashadPLaYz!

[@nishan375]

"Dukka" in Sinhala (Srilanka) means sadness translated literaly. දුක.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, "sadness" I think of as more similar to domanassa than dukkha.

[@ntcuong01ct1]

Hello friends, I have a few questions about the four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path: 1 / I understand giving alms is a way to pay off karma, so how will we practice if we want to be liberated? 2 / Doctors kill animals, test drugs on people to find medicine, will this action help doctors get rid of the six paths of reincarnation? Thank you.

[@DougsDharma]

Generosity does create good karma in the Buddha's eyes, but it also helps us to realize non-self through relaxing around clinging. As for rebirth, I have no idea, what do you think?

[@y0k0z00na]

PAIN THE ORIGIN OF PAIN THE DESTRUCTION OF PAIN THE 8 FOLD HOLY WAY THAT LEADS TO THE QUIETING OF PAIN

[@amc903]

i wish these videos were longer, and went into more of a deeper exsplaination but otherwise good

[@DougsDharma]

Yes A Mc, many of my videos like this one are intended to be introductory. I have a longer course over at the Online Dharma Institute, “An Introduction to the Buddha’s Teaching”, where I get into the Noble Truths in more detail. onlinedharma.org/courses

[@zerothehero123]

It's not that pleasures are bad, but that they're indifferent. Virtue is the only real good.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes well this is a Stoic way to put it. What we'd say in Buddhism is that pleasures aren't so much bad as dangerous. They tend to lure us into craving them and identifying with them. If we can learn to live with pleasures through non-grasping, they can become indifferent.

[@santelang]

What a wonder! Thou has forgotten thyself. Thou who were attributeless became with attributes, lost in dream. Chokha says, what a terrible wonder, "The God of god is gone mad!"__ Saint Chokhamela

[@yorkinwanya2066]

So this unsatisfactoriness comes from our constant desires? Does that include quest for education?

[@DougsDharma]

Not all desires are problematic. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJa2mYGlir2hrtk

[@santelang]

Dhammapada sums up 4 noble truths in one sentence, 'Sabbe sankhara dukkha, sabbe dhamma anatta'. I have devoted my life to the teachings and found out meaning behind that sentenced above. It's like this: The Absolute is dreaming the entire universe, we are scattered dreams. Dream is dukkha means you can't satisfy yourself in dream, because it's not real or temporary. When one gives up dream, individuality, one lands onto The Dreamer. Dreamer is hold as God by all philosophers, but not buddha. He says, when you awake from dream, you have vision of Dreamer, but you can't term it as me or mine. He term it Anatta. Why? Because what if, one awaken, find the Dreamer is dreaming because of loneliness or sorrow. So, you don't call him God! You give up both, the dream and dreamer. Buddha didn't said it clearly, because it doesn't lead to detachment. But, there are many saints in India, who told everything and even shouted at God, 'Are you gone mad?'. Almost every philosophy hold 'Absolute or Divine or God' in centre, but Buddhism centres on 'morality and unblemish life to caste out everything, the dream along with the dreamer'. Eventually they bound to be begger or fakir or monk live on food by begging. That's sad reality to purest life!

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for that sandeep. I'd be concerned though with the notion of an "Absolute", which the Buddha denied.

[@kellycushing2904]

Doug, can you please create a video to talk about how following Buddhism in our toxic, materialistic American society would cause our economy to collapse since it thrives on people killing themselves to obtain more possessions and wealth?

[@DougsDharma]

I did an earlier video on Buddhist economics that might interest you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2fJcoqBeNmcn80

[@kellycushing2904]

@@DougsDharma Excellent! Thank you! This is another wonderful informational video. I'm loving your channel and learning a lot! ☺️

[@ayethant02331chaungu]

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏

[@pacman470]

It is hard for me to wrap mind around this because whast is the alternative when we loose all of the 'cravings'? Where are dreams then? What is the alternative to that - you simply exist not going into any direction? Why work then, not buying, not traveling - having a guilt when you think that something will make you happier and then having a thought coming from this blief - "why to bother, at the end all of this will pass and will not satisfy anyway". These in from my view can lead to some nihilistic point of view on the world. How to look on this and understand this?

[@DougsDharma]

The alternative is equanimity and peace. This doesn't mean we stop acting anymore than the Buddha did -- he was very active himself! It means we stop trying to identify ourselves egoistically with the world, or indeed against the world as guilt would imply.

[@pacman470]

@@DougsDharma How to distinguish between egoistic desires / higher motivation ? Is there any framework through which we can filter our inner state and indentify which is which ? Are all of the egoistic needs / wants bad? I.e There is a lady who sufferes mentally day after day, minute by minute ruminating over her big nose/some scar on her face , as she experience a lot of pain caused by these defect. She goes under the surgery and her mentall state becomes significantly improved. She can think about other things of the world more openly, she starts to feel some joy, she is kinder, jealusy lowers, there is more place to kinder feelings and thoughts. She did not meditate. Is it in this point of view useless way? Should we accept everetyhing and never act on 'bad' emotions?

[@pacman470]

​@@DougsDharma To not forget - could you say something more / give an example of "identify ourselves egoistically with the world, or indeed against the world as guilt would imply. " How guilt would imply and when we do this?

[@pacman470]

And as always - Thank you very much for the reply!! Your videos are very well put and educative!! Thanks

[@localnugget]

Doug, although you may not have meant it this way, it almost seems like you are cautioning against enjoying things in life. For example, you talk about the striving to visit different places for vacations, but I don’t see the connection in enjoying aspects of life leading to suffering. Perhaps it’s the over-striving for these things?

[@DougsDharma]

Well Chris this is a central part of the Buddha’s message: that indulgence in sense pleasures tends to promote craving and clinging, which lead to suffering. There is a difference between the way laypeople traditionally practice with this as versus monastics. Laypeople are understood to probably be too attached to pleasure to really want to give it all up. As a result they will tend to suffer more of the downsides of clinging than monastics should. One video about this is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipe0qp2Ch5aVrNE

[@peterquest6406]

I guess you need to realise the impermnace of things,that any pleasure can end at anytime,if you have this attitude you would be disappointed.

[@peterquest6406]

Sometimes its best not to get what you want,like winning lotto,some people are worse off than they were before.

[@taliakellegg5978]

but what if you know it will be better like i was homeschooled and i'd stay up late everyday and wake up late and i'd barely move out of my bed so i wanted to go into highschool and once i got there. there was suffering and there were bullies and what not. it had it's own problems but it's a million times better than home schooling maybe i'll just never understand the 4 noble truths or maybe i'll under stand them but not be able to practice buddhism in it's entirety who knows who cares

[@azadrasheed497]

Buddhism. The 4 Noble Truths,8 fold paths,,How would this be understood by Christian Warlord Trump & his Evangelist supporters, by Jewish Warlord Netanyahu & his European Zianist Colonist Settlers,by Muslim Brutal Salmon MBS & his Wahabis mercilessly Bombing Yemen,murdering opponents (Khashoggi),aided by USA UK ISRAEL etc. Sadly our MSM is owned by Extremist Rightwing Billionaire Barons & they educating the people into apathy,ignorance,,bigotry,.

[@taliakellegg5978]

do i have to follow all his teachings in order to follow him? because i like sensory pleasures

[@DougsDharma]

Sure, so do I! 😄 We're not trying to be monastics, so we are expected to pursue some sense pleasures. The question is how to do so skillfully without becoming too ensnared by them in ways that cause harm to ourselves and others.

[@taliakellegg5978]

@@DougsDharma true i'm still trying to understand the noble truths like what kind of cravings are good and bad

[@DougsDharma]

Yes. This video may be helpful, on whether desire is the root of suffering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJa2mYGlir2hrtk

[@matthewwallace9646]

Freudian slip @ 10:05

[@DougsDharma]

😄 Good catch!