The Four Noble Truths
by Ajahn Sumedho | 2004 | 22,385 words
A collection of talks dealing with understanding and practicing the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths refer to a basic concept within Buddhism. In short, they refer to: dukkha (“suffering”); samudaya (“arising”); nirodha (“cessation”); marga (“the path”)....
Chapter 2 - The Second Noble Truth
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What is the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering?
It is craving which renews being and is accompanied by relish and lust,
relishing this and that: in other words, craving for sensual desires,
craving for being, craving for non being.
But whereon does this craving arise and flourish?
Wherever there is what seems lovable and gratifying, thereon it arises and flourishes.
There is this Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering:
such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing
and light that arose in me about things not heard before.
This Noble Truth must be penetrated to by abandoning the origin of suffering....
This Noble Truth has been penetrated to by abandoning the origin of suffering:
such was the vision, insight, wisdom,
knowing and light that arose in me about things not heard before.
[Samyutta Nikaya LVI, 11]