The Four Noble Truths for Today

The following “translation” of the Four Noble Truths for Today is taken from an excerpt from a Dharma talk Thay gave in Hanoi, Vietnam in May 6-7, 2008 (the full excerpt can be found in Issue 49 of the Mindfulness Bell and offers a rare glimpse into his early career). It is a nice way to view these core truths in modern language and situations. Enjoy.

The Four Noble Truths for Today

  1. Ill-being: tension, stress, anxiety, fear, violence, broken families, suicide, war, conflict, terrorism, destruction of the ecosystem, global warming, etc.
  2. Roots of ill-being (the making of ill-being): craving, hate, wrong perceptions, lack of communication, hectic life, deadlines
  3. Cessation of ill-being = well-being: relaxation, lightness, peace, reconciliation, compassion, communication, insight
  4. Path of well-being: the Nobel Eightfold Path

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