Posted by lil' jimi on June 12, 2003, at 15:53:59
In reply to Buddhist practice, posted by lil' jimi on May 18, 2003, at 2:56:19
Greetings to all non-Buddhists and Buddhists here at Psycho-Babble
and anyone else interested in Buddhism.The Four Noble Truths are statements that form central tenets that are observed by all schools of Buddhism.
They are essential insights about the nature of human experience, offered by Siddhartha Gautama from his enlightenment more than 25 centuries ago.+++++++++++++++++++++++
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS1st Truth
Suffering exists.2nd Truth
It has a cause.3rd Truth
Ending suffering is possible by ending its cause.4th Truth
This can be accomplished.
+++++++++++++++++++++++From these statements we can see the wisdom of how by beginning from fundamental, unassailable facts (the 1st Truth) of human existence, then proceeding with specific deliberate steps, this can lead us to the reality of deliverance of all sentient beings from misery.
The specific means of the Fourth Truth is called the Eightfold Path. More about the Eightfold Path next time, perhaps.
From here the Psycho-Babble reader should be able to anticipate how this applies to our struggle against mental illness and neurotransmitter dysfunction :
1) Psychological suffering exists.
2) It has a cause: neurotransmitter dysfunction.
3) Overcoming the dysfunction can relieve the suffering.
4) This is possible with medication.Such solution-based spiritual values can and do have meaningful, practical application to many real-world challenges, especially to our efforts to overcome neurotransmitter dysfunctions.
One of the salient values of Buddhism is its appreciation the existence of suffering, along with its central focus on suffering as the central spiritual issue. Another salient Buddhist value is its determination to solve the problem of this universal suffering. We may usefully apply this determination to our individual needs.
May All Sentient Beings’ Suffering Be Relieved.
Thank you for your time and may you find peace in your life.
~ jim
poster:lil' jimi
thread:227349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030530/msgs/233462.html