Ehi Passiko! Happy Birthday, #Buddha!
The birthday of the Buddha is an important and holy day for all the followers, enthusiasts, learners, disciples, and believers of #Buddhism.
The birthday though is celebrated on different dates based on country and school of Buddhism. In some countries, it is May 15th, and in some on May 23rd, the first full moon of the month.
It is upon this day that we honor not only the great teacher but more so remember in action his great teachings of the "4 Noble Truths and the 8-fold Path" 🙏🏻
The 4 Noble Truths and the 8-Fold Path are fundamental teachings of the great teacher Siddhartha Gautama Buddha Shakyamuni (563-483 BC). It is a guide towards an individual's liberation from suffering during the cycle of samsara (birth-death-rebirth) and the attainment of enlightenment, inner peace, joy, bliss, and nirvana.
The 4 Noble Truths (Caturaryasatyani):
Dukkha (Suffering): The first truth recognizes that suffering is an inherent part of human existence. It refers to the physical, mental, and emotional anguish experienced in various forms and varying degrees such as birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, frustrations in life, relationship problems, money worries, difficult and unjust personal and societal circumstances, unfulfilled ambitions, lingering desires, and attachment to what is impermanent.
Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): The second truth explains that suffering arises from ego, pride, craving, and attachment. It suggests that our desires and attachments to worldly pleasures, applause, titles, and things, as well as our ignorance of the true nature of reality, are the root causes of suffering.
Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): The third truth states that the cessation of suffering is attainable in one's lifetime. By eliminating craving and attachment, one can achieve a state of liberation, peace, and freedom from suffering known as the blissful and joyful experiential state of nirvana.
Marga (Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering): The fourth truth outlines the Eightfold Path, which is the path to be followed to overcome suffering and to attain enlightenment and nirvana.
The 8-Fold Path (Aryastangamarga):
Right View: Developing an accurate understanding of the nature of reality, including the Four Noble Truths.
Right Intention: Cultivating wholesome and compassionate intentions, free from greed, ill will, and harmful thoughts.
Right Speech: Practicing truthful, kind, and non-harmful speech. Avoiding lying, gossiping, harsh language, and divisive speech.
Right Action: Engaging in actions that promote well-being, morality, and non-violence. Abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
Right Livelihood: Choosing an occupation or livelihood that is ethical and supports the path of awakening. Avoiding occupations that cause harm or involve unethical practices.
Right Effort: Cultivating wholesome qualities, abandoning unwholesome qualities, and making a persistent effort to maintain a focused and balanced mind.
Right Mindfulness: Developing a clear and non-judgmental awareness of one's body, feelings, thoughts, and the surrounding environment. Being fully present in the present moment.
Right Concentration: Cultivating deep states of concentration and focused meditation to develop a calm, sharp, and unified mind. This leads to intelligence, insight, wisdom, kindness, and compassion.
Text: JR Estallo
Photo: The Statue of the Great Amithaba Buddha at Mt. Fansifan by Sapa Tourism Vietnam
