word, and thought are reborn in a state of misery and suffering” and those who live good lives are “reborn in a happy state” (Exploring Religious Meaning, 58). He also came to realize what the (Buddhist) understanding of the nature of the world was… later described as the Four Noble Truths. Buddha’s experience and all of the teachings that arose from it became the basis for Buddhism.Just like in Hinduism, the main goal in Buddhism is to achieve Nirvana. In this religion, Nirvana (enlightenment) is achieved through the Four Nobles Truths and the Eightfold Path. These are just two ethical principles and standards of behavior that govern Buddhist Life.One set of ethical principles and standards of behavior that govern Buddhist life is the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are Dukkha (suffering), the source of suffering, of the cessation of suffering, and of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. The first, of suffering, basically says that life is a continuous passage and that everything changes/nothing is permanent. The second Noble Truth, the source of suffering, basically states that the reason for suffering is because humans want things to be permanent. Everyone has desires, wants, and needs they will never be completely satisfied. The cessation of suffering, which is the third Noble Truth, can occur when one cuts off the desires, wants and needs. The path (Marga) leading to the cessation of suffering is the fourth Noble Truth. According The Major Religions, “Buddha spells out a concrete way of living which, he maintains, if followed conscientiously, will eventually lead to the goal of Nirvana” (Burke 63-64). This path is the Eightfold Path.The Eightfold Path is another ethical principle that Buddhists follow. The first two paths, having the right views and the right intentions, fall under Prajna, which means wisdom. The next three paths, the right speech (i.e. no...
