stage of enlightenment, but not the path toenlightenment. It is a foundational truth and the first three truths are connected through thethought processes. The second noble truth tells man the cause. The third noble truth tells manthe solution. Simply stated, cease to have desires, expectations and cravings. In the West, theidea of nirodha is expressed in the book The Road Less Traveled when in the first chapter theauthor states, Life is difficult. Once we accept that life is difficult, it is no longer difficult. Atfirst glance the third noble truth may cause one to believe in asceticism, but Buddhism is themiddle way and asceticism did not work as a means of salvation for Siddhartha. Nirodha isactualized with the realization that pleasure is good, but temporary. Dukkha is present, butacceptance of the good and the evil, or suffering part of the realm of dukkha brings release.Cessation of the experiences of dissatisfaction can be achieved. First, by accepting pleasure andthe enjoyment of pleasure. Second, by accepting that all is impermanent. There is no grief onceone internalizes the truth. Buddhism denies dualism and denies the existence of the human soul.An aspect of nirodha is to quench the desire and craving; the experience of dukkha. Oncequenched, there is liberation in the all aspects of life. With the realization that dissatisfaction iscreated through the human psyche, It is in ourselves that we can undermine the process. The fourth noble truth, magga, is the path by which man comes to know nirvana. The way torelease is expressed in an eight fold path. The path is not meant to be a set of ethics to adhere toin fear of an external source, but a way to salvation and liberation from the samsara cycle.Buddhism utilizes meditational and yogic disciplines. Without yoga and concentration the truthsof the liberation cannot be realized. Nirvana is the ultimate goal, but the enlightenment is also aprogression that begins with ins...
