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