Single Idea 20766

[catalogued under 29. Religion / C. Spiritual Disciplines / 3. Buddhism]

Full Idea

The teachings of the Buddha are summarised in 'four noble truths': 1) life means suffering, 2) the origin of suffering is attachment, 3) the end of suffering is attainable, and 4) the path to the end of suffering.

Gist of Idea

Four Noble Truths: life is suffering, caused by attachment, it is avoidable, there is a path

Source

Kevin Aho (Existentialism: an introduction [2014], 9 'dukkha')

Book Reference

Aho,Kevin: 'Existentialism: an introduction' [Polity 2014], p.154


A Reaction

1) and 2) summarise everything I dislike about most eastern philosophy. In the modern world life does not have to be suffering. To break off attachments in order to avoid suffering is a hideous injunction.