Buddhism
The Four
Noble Truths
Life
is full
of
suffering
and sorrow
Caused by
greed and
desire for
power,
pleasure,
and
possessions
Suffering
and sorrow
will end
when
people
reach
Nirvana
Nirvana
reached by
following the
Middle Way
or the
Eightfold
Path
Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths:
1. Human life is full of suffering and sorrow
2. Suffering and sorrow are caused by people’s
greedy desire for power, pleasure and
possessions
3. Suffering and sorrow will end when people
overcome their greed = Nirvana = enlightenment
4. People can overcome their greed and
uncontrolled desires by adopting the Middle Way
or Eightfold Path
Right View
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Human life is full of suffering and sorrow
1. Right View or Understanding:
• The existence of suffering and pain due to greed
and the desire for power, pleasure, and
possessions
• Everything is temporary and changes
• There is no separate individual self—We are all
part of one
Right View
Right Resolve
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Human life is full of suffering and sorrow
2. Right Resolve or Determination:
• Give up what is wrong and evil
• Undertake what is good
• Abandon thoughts having to do with bringing
suffering to any being
• Cultivate thoughts of loving kindness based on
caring for others’ suffering and joy in others’
happiness
Right View
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Suffering and sorrow are caused by people’s
greedy desire for power, pleasure and
possessions
3. Right Speech:
•Abstain from telling lies
•Abstain from talk that brings harm or discredit to
others
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
3. Right Speech continued:
•Abstain from talk that creates hatred or disharmony
between individuals or groups
•Abstain from harsh, rude, impolite or abusive
language
•Abstain from idle, useless, and foolish gossip
•Practice kindly speech, meaningful speech, and
harmonious speech
Right View
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Conduct
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Suffering and sorrow are caused by people’s
greedy desire for power, pleasure and
possessions
4. Right Conduct or Action:
•Abstain from dishonest dealings
•Foster what is good, peaceful, and honorable
•Do things that are moral and honest and that end
suffering
Right View
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Suffering and sorrow will end when people
overcome their greed by reaching Nirvana
5. Right Livelihood:
•Abstain from making your living from activities or
occupations that bring harm and suffering to humans
or animals
Right View
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Effort
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
Suffering and sorrow will end when people
overcome their greed by reaching Nirvana
6. Right Effort:
•Foster good and prevent evil
•Work on yourself—engage in self-improvement
•Everything must be done with a sense of proper
balance between trying too hard and not trying hard
enough
Right View
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Mindfulness
Right Effort
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
People can overcome their greed and
uncontrolled desires by adopting the
Middle Way or Eightfold Path
7. Right Mindfulness:
•Build right attention
•Avoid whatever clouds your mental awareness
•Systematically and intentionally develop awareness
Right View
Right Meditation
Right Resolve
Right Speech
Right Mindfulness
Right Effort
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Buddhism
The Eightfold Path or Middle Way:
People can overcome their greed and
uncontrolled desires by adopting the
Middle Way or Eightfold Path
8. Right Concentration:
•Developed by practicing meditation
•Meditation must be done continuously
•Meditation should include awareness of body,
emotions, thought, and mind objects
Buddhism
Five Basic Precepts of Buddhism:
1. Abstain from killing living beings—practice
love
2. Abstain from taking the not-given—practice
generosity and giving
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct—practice
contentment
4. Abstain from false speech—practice
truthfulness
5. Abstain from taking intoxicating
substances—practice awareness and
mental clarity
Buddhism