Q. Discuss four noble truths and eight fold path recommended by Buddha. बुद्ध द्वारा प्रतिपादित चार आर्य सत्यों तथा अष्टांगिक मार्गों की विवेचना कीजिए। [UPPSC- 2017]

Ans:

• Buddha proved to be a practical reformer who took note of the realities of the day. He did not involve himself in fruitless controversies regarding the soul (atman) and the Brahma which raged strongly in his time; he addressed himself to the worldly problems.
• The basic teachings of Buddha are contained in:
  • Four Noble Truths, and
  • Eight Fold Path
• Within Buddhism, samsara is defined as the continual repetitive cycle of birth and death. Karma  is the force that drives saṃsara. ©selfstudyhistory.com
• Buddha taught his followers the Four “Noble Truths” (Chatvari Arya Satyani):
  • Dukkha:
    • The World (samsara) is full of sorrows/ suffering (dukkha),
  • Samudaya (origin, arising):
    • The cause/origin of sorrow in desire (trishna)
    • This cause is explained in light of what is known as ‘Pattichcha Samuppada‘ (translated as dependent origination). It is a causal chain of twelve co-dependent events or phenomena. All phenomena are linked in a chain, conditioning and depending on each other.  It starts with ignorance which leads to other phenomena including desire and that ultimataly leads to sorrow.
  • Nirodha (cessation, ending):
    • Ending of this dukkha can be attained by the renouncement or letting go of desires;
  • Magga (path, Noble Eightfold Path/ Ashtangika Marga/ Madhyam Marg) is the path leading to renouncement of desires and cessation of dukkha
• The Eight Fold Path consists of the following principles:
  • Right view:
    • Viewing reality as it is, not just as it appears to be
    • Finding the right view, It is to understand that the world is filled with sorrow generated by desire. The ending of desire will lead to the liberation of the soul.
  • Right thought/aim/ intention:
    • It seeks to avoid the enjoyment of the senses and luxury. It aims to love humanity and increase the happiness of others.
    • Intention of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness
  • Right speech:
    • Speaking in a truthful and non-hurtful way
  • Right action:
    • Acting in a non-harmful and unselfish way
  • Right livelihood:
    • It instructs that a man should live by honest means.
    • A non-harmful livelihood
  • Right effort/conduct:
    • It is the proper way of controlling one’s senses so as to prevent bad thoughts. It is through correct mental exercises that one can destroy desire and attachment.
    • Making an effort to improve
  • Right mindfulness:
    • It is the understanding of the idea that the body is impermanent and meditation is the means for the removal of worldly evils.
  • Right concentration/ meditation:
    • The observation of it will lead to peace. Meditation will unravel the real truth.
• According to Buddha’s teachings, anyone who follows this path, considered as the ‘middle path’, (madhyama pratipad), would attain salvation irrespective of his social position.
  • Middle Path: The practice of non-extremism: a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.
  • An individual should pursue the middle path and both severe asceticism as well as luxurious life are to be avoided. ©selfstudyhistory.com