The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

The sixth century BC was a landmark in the intellectual history of the world, due to the work of Confucius in China, Zoroaster in Persia and Gautama Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavira in India. They evolved a system of beliefs which continue to influence people even today.

The philosophy of Buddha, i.e. Buddhism, is the fourth-largest religion in the world. Buddhism was a natural reaction to the growing complexity of Brahmanism and offered an escape route to those marginalized or relegated by Brahmanism. The basic beliefs of Buddhism, like all other religions, include morality, truth and non-violence.

During the Rig Vedic or the Early Vedic Period (1500 - 1000 BC), the society was largely, if not completely, egalitarian and the four-fold varna system had not evolved. The warrior category, then known as the Rajanyas, was the most superior in society. The priests who performed rituals and sacrifices, occupied the second position. This religion did not place excessive importance on ritualism.

In the Later Vedic Period (1000 - 600 BC), this positioning changed considerably. Importance of ritualism increased and with it, increased the importance of Brahmans, who emerged as the most superior class in society. In the earlier period, the Brahmans were only one amongst the sixteen groups of priests. The warriors, now known as Kshatriyas, were pushed to the second position. The increasing complexity of Brahmanism, which later came to be known as Hinduism, produced three reactions - one inside Brahmanism and two outside it. The internal reaction was the Upanishads treatises on philosophy that are anti-ritualistic. The external reactions were Jainism and Buddhism. And it is not surprising that the originators of both these philosophies were scions of Kshatriya clans, which were relegated to the second position in society.

Gautama Buddha (563 - 483 BC) was born in the house of the Shakya chief Suddhodana. Legend has it that an astrologer had predicted that this new born would grow up to become either a great king or a great ascetic. It is also said that Siddhartha (Buddha's original name), started becoming increasingly thoughtful and philosophical on encountering four sights: an old man, a sick man, a dead body and an ascetic. Eventually, this resulted into Siddhartha leaving his house, wife and son behind, and becoming an ascetic at the age of 29. At 35, he attained enlightenment and was known as Buddha or 'the awakened one'.

Beliefs of Buddhism
There are Four Noble Truths are the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. They relate to the origin, nature and cessation of suffering. They are:

• Life is full of suffering
• The origin of suffering is attachment
• Suffering can be overcome
• This can be done by following the eight-fold path.

Components of the eight-fold path are sequential and the fulfillment of one component results in an individual going on to the next one. This comprises of:

• Perfect or right understanding, view or perception - correct understanding of the world through the four noble truths
• Right thought - avoiding anger, hatred or jealousy in thoughts
• Right speech - to speak mindfully, avoiding untrue and aggressive speech
• Right action - following the five precepts
• Right livelihood - practicing a profession that does not harm anyone and does not include intoxicants
• Right effort - making disciplined efforts in the right direction
• Right mindfulness - knowing one's thoughts, words and actions
• Right concentration - being able to concentrate fully, leading to a higher level of consciousness.

The Five Precepts, forming a part of the right action, include avoiding the following:

• Killing or harming living beings
• Taking possession of anything that has not been given
• Sexual misbehavior
• Lying
• All kinds of intoxicants.

Buddha also advocated following the Middle Path or moderation and avoiding the extremes of luxury and mortification. Following these principles can lead to the elimination of desire, which is the root of all suffering. It can also lead to attainment of the ultimate aim of Buddhism, which is Nirvana, freedom of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Buddhism is scientific and practical. Furthermore, it is easier for common people to follow this belief system, and it is not necessary for all the followers to renounce the world and become ascetics. Buddha founded a community of monks that is known as the Samgha or Sangha. Later, women were also accepted in the community as nuns. The Samgha worked as an institution and played a major role in the propagation of Buddhism.

Buddhism received royal patronage in Buddha's lifetime. However, during the reign of Ashoka Maurya (269 BC - 232 BC), the monks were sent to Sri Lanka. All these factors contributed to the spread of Buddhism in India and abroad. Buddhism is probably the greatest civilizing force given to the world by India.