Lesson TWO

 Questions:

I:   The Four Noble Truths, which include the Eightfold Path, describe the true nature of existence, and the means to live in harmony with that nature.

By tradition, the preaching of the Four Noble Truths was the first sermon given by the Buddha, after he became the Awakened One.

It is said that The Four Noble Truths, and what they infer, are Buddhism itself. There are many traditions, schools, sects of Buddhism, but the Four Noble Truths are acknowledged in all of them, because they are foundational. They describe why Buddhism is needed, and what constitutes the essence of the practice of Buddhism. There may be various practices and ideas within Buddhism, but they are merely different expressions of the essence as expressed in the Four Noble Truths.

2.  What is the unifying concept of these guidelines?

The Four Noble Truths includes the Eightfold Path, describing the true nature of life, and the means to harmonius existence with that nature.

3.    What do you think the Buddha would have to say today about "Right Livelihood?" Can you think of any positions in today's workforce that he might use as an activity one should avoid?

Right Livelihood is, first, a way to earn a living without compromising the Precepts. It is a way of making a living that does no harm to others. In the Vanijja Sutta (this is from the Sutra-pitaka of the Tripitaka), the Buddha said, "A lay follower should not engage in five types of business. Which five? Business in weapons, business in human beings, business in meat, business in intoxicants, and business in poison."


Reverend Ronald Gilbertson, O.S.B.
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