ASSIGNMENT

GIA2008
RELIGIONS AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF INDIANS
IN SOUTH ASIA
2015/2016

QUESTION 3
Buddhism is treated as one of the religions consisting of high level of moral
conducts which has been depicted through well- popularized 4th Noble
Truth and 8 Path Way. Give your opinion on appropriateness of the 4th
Noble Truth and 8 Path Way in present day life-style of an ordinary man.

NAME : TAN HUEY KHIM

COURSE : LAW
MATRIC NUMBER: LEB130088
H/P NUMBER : 012-9150355
LECTURER : DR. MOHANA DASS A/L RAMASAMY.

(2190 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography)

1
1.0 Introduction

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that emphasizes on the spiritual development in one

person and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. 1 According to
the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, one should not adopt
an extreme life but ought to live in the middle way of life. By practicing and developing
morality, meditation and wisdom, a person is in the correct path to the enlightenment.
As such, the fundamentals of Buddhism consist of 2 essential principles, namely the 4
Noble Truths and the Noble 8-Fold Path. For the purpose of this paper, before
evaluating whether the 2 doctrines are appropriate to be applied in the present day life-
style of an ordinary man, we must first understand what is Four Noble Truths and Noble
Eight-Fold Path.

2.0 Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are regarded as the central to the Buddha’s teachings. These
four truths point out the nature of Dukkha, the causes of Dukkha, cessation of Dukkha
and Magga.

2.1 The First Noble Truth- Dukkha

In Sanskrit, ‘Du’ means worthless, and ‘kha’ means hollow. In Buddhism, Dukkha, or
‘suffering’ comes in many forms.2 ‘Suffering’ includes physical suffering. According
to the 1st Noble Truth, the suffering of birth, old age, sickness and death is unavoidable.
For instance, no matter how much a son cares for his mother who is growing old, he
cannot suffer the pains of aging on her behalf. Besides, suffering also includes mental
suffering. According to Buddhism, it can be summed up as painful feelings when we
are apart from someone that we love; being with some people whom we dislike; or
unable to achieve what we desire. Except sufferings in life, there is also happiness.
There are many kind of happiness such as the happiness of friendship or family, the

1
(2009). Buddhism at a glance.BBC. Retrieved from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml
2
Ngakma Nor’dzin Pamo. The Emptiness & Form of the Four Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path. Aro
Encyclopedia. Retrieved from:
http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/n/noble_truths_ar_eng.php

2
happiness from celebration and also the excitement from sharing and giving.
Nevertheless, such happiness is real but impermanent. Eventually, the happiness will
fade off leaving the feeling of suffering. Human suffers because the pleasures are
temporary in nature and cannot be lasted. Therefore, Buddha taught his people not to
be distracted by temporary pleasures, and they should learn more about the true way to
end suffering. Thus, Buddhists believe that before seeking way to end suffering, they
must first accept that suffering is actually a fact of life.3

2.2 The Second Noble Truth- The Cause of Dukkha (Samudāya)

After learning that suffering is a part of life, Buddha found out that the causes of
suffering. Craving and ignorance are the two main factors to cause suffering.4 People
are continuously craving and searching for something to make themselves happy. But
no matter how successful they are, human never be satisfied because such pleasures are
temporary. Then, Buddha also taught that this thirst roots from self-ignorance. In order
to obtain a sense of security, we tend to chase one thing after another in our life. Besides
physical pleasures, we are also attached to the ideas, opinions and recognition about
ourselves and the world. When we finally realise that our lives do not conform to
expectations, we feel helpless and frustrated.

2.3 The Third Noble Truth- Cessation of Dukkha (Nirodha)

Since there is cause of suffering, there must be a way to end such suffering. Buddha
spent six years and finally discovered the method to end suffering, and so the
achievement of Nirvana, were his ultimate achievements. Nirvana is a Sanskrit word
which means ‘the blowing out of’ or ‘extinguishing of’. It is a total, absolute and
permanent end of all suffering. It also represents a state of bliss or pure happiness
attained when the idea of the self is eradicated.5

Hence, the ultimate goal of a Buddhist is to attain the stage of Nirvana. A person who
attain Nirvana is completely freed from all sorts of craving and ignorance. He

3
Buddhist Studies: The First Noble Truth. Retrieved from:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s03.htm
4
Buddhist Studies: The Second Noble Truth. Retrieved from:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s04.htm
5
The Path to Peace: The Third Noble Truth of Buddhism. Retrieved from:
http://www.noble-buddhism-beliefs.com/the-third-noble-truth.html

3
understands the real nature of everything through his wisdom and thus helping peoples
in overcoming their suffering.

Buddhists believe that by following the Four Noble Truths, Buddha's teachings will
lead them to the stage of Nirvana. To end all suffering, all desires, ill will and ignorance
must be extinguished. As demonstrated by Buddha himself, Nirvana can be attained in
our lives while we are still living there is an end to suffering and it can happen to
anybody, anywhere, here and now.6

2.4 The Fourth Noble Truth- Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga)

Finally, Buddha shows us the path to end all suffering. It is a set of principles called the
Eight-Fold Path. The Eight-Fold Path is a path of the middle way as it is free from
extremes of indulgence and denial. A follower of this path do not seek endless pleasures
nor torture themselves with pain. The principles of the Noble Eight-Fold Path would
be discussed as below.

3.0 Eight-Fold Path

In short, the eightfold path as discovered by Buddha himself, is the only way to Nirvana.
It rejects the extreme idea of self-torture and self- indulgence. There are eight factors
as explained below:

3.1 Right Views

Right view is the guide for all the other factors. We must practice the right view to be
able to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad and completely understand
the Four Noble Truths. It can be compared as a compass for a traveller in providing a
clear direction and leading to the correct destination. By developing a right view, one
is free from delusion and ignorance and moves closer to the deep wisdom. 7

6
Buddhist Studies: The Third Noble Truth. Retrieved from:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s05.htm
7
Bhikkhu Bodhi (1999). The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering. Retrieved from:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html#ch2

4
 3.2 Right Intention
Right intention can be categorised as (i) the intention of renunciation; (ii) the intention
of good will, and (iii) the intention of harmlessness.89 In contrast, there are also 3 types
of wrong intention, namely intention governed by desire, intention governed by ill will,
and intention governed by harmfulness.10 In order to end suffering, we must possess
the right intention before committing any actions.

3.3 Right Speech

To escape from suffering, we must first abstain ourselves from uttering false,
slanderous, and harsh speech and idle chatter. This is because the effect of speech can
be enormous. We must always be careful of how we use the words and speech in
communicating with other people to prevent causing harm to others. 11

3.4 Right Action

In daily life, we need to do many different things and every action we made has its
consequences be it good or bad. Thus, we must analyse the quality of our actions before
performing it. In Buddhism, the three components of right action12 include abstaining
from taking life; abstaining from taking what is not given, and abstaining from sexual
misconduct.

3.5 Right Livelihood

Right livelihood is concerned with how we earn our living in a righteous way.
According to Buddha’s teaching, wealth should be gained subject to certain limitations.
One should not acquire his wealth by way of fraud, violence, coercion and other illegal
means.13 Other than that, a Buddhist is also expected to follow 5 basic rules of moral
conduct, which are abstain from killing, stealing, lying, engaging in improper sexual
conduct and partaking of intoxicants.14

8
Nekkhammasankappa, abyapada sankappa, avihimsasankappa.
9
Ibid.
10
Kamasankappa, byapadasankappa, avihimsasankappa.
11
See supra note 7.
12
Dana Nourie (2013). What is the Eightfold Path? Secular Buddhist Association. Retrieved from:
http://secularbuddhism.org/2013/05/03/what-is-the-eightfold-path/
13
See supra, note 7.
14
Dr. Mohana Dass a/l Ramasamy. (2016). Buddhism II: The Teachings of Buddha. [PowerPoint
slides]. Retrieved from:
http://spectrum.um.edu.my/pluginfile.php/389300/mod_resource/content/0/Lect%2014%20-%20Buddh
ism%20II%20-%20Teachings%20%28Students%29.pdf

5
 3.6 Right Mindfulness
Mindfulness is defined as the presence of mind, attentiveness or awareness. Through
development of rightfulness, the mind is able to remain openly, quietly, alert in
contemplating all present happenings. Meditation is the tool to develop mindfulness.
One who develop a right mindfulness can remain his mind at present, without distracted
by any thoughts.15

3.7 Right Concentration

It is the practice of focusing the mind solely on one object. Concentration and
mindfulness are interrelated, while one opens his mind to something, his concentration
will be focussing on that particular thing to the exclusion of everything else. 16 When
both mindfulness and concentration are practiced, greater insight could be developed
in further.

3.8 Right Effort

To develop the factors above, right effort is needed. Right effort provides the energy or
force to our mind in preventing the arising of potential evil thoughts, and to get rid of
evil that has arisen in one-self. On the other hand, diligence or good effort helps in
awakening and retaining good potentials within a person.17

4.0 Appropriateness of the Four Noble Truths and Eight-Fold Path

Way in Present Day Life-Style of an Ordinary Man.

As we can see, the 4 Noble Truths and 8-Fold Path are the essences of teachings in
Buddhism. They serves as a guideline in leading Buddhist to attain the ultimate aim of
Nirvana. Nonetheless, the question here is whether or not these 2 doctrines still be
applicable in the life-style of an ordinary person nowadays. Here, ‘ordinary’ means ‘not

15
See supra, note 13.
16
See supra, note 7.
17
See supra, note 12.

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different’ or ‘usual’.18 Hence, our scope today is limited to ‘ordinary people’ which
means the general public who are not famous nor from upper classes.19

4.1 The Understanding of Four Noble Truths is Relevant Until Today

Due to the rapid development in this modernised world, many people are busy chasing
their aims in order to fulfil expectations given by themselves or others. For example,
many parents are busy in working so that they could earn more to provide a better living
for their family whereas the students have no choice but to study all the time in order
to achieve excellent results in their exams. Sometimes, people get sick and tired of these
repeatedly routines and they started to ponder the purpose of doing so, and their roles
in this world, the meaning of life and so on. Then, they will eventually seek for answers
to their questions.

In my opinion, the understanding by Buddha as provided by the Four Noble Truths can
clear their doubts. It explains the nature of suffering and that ‘suffering’ is a fact of life.
Nothing is permanent, be it in the form of physical or mental, or happiness. Buddha
pointed out that the suffering of birth, old age, sickness and death is unavoidable and
due to human desires and ignorance, a person is never be satisfied. This is absolutely
relevant to our norms of society nowadays. People now tend to attach themselves to
impermanent things such as money, fame, branded clothes and so on. When they could
not achieve their expectations, they feel stressed, lost and sorrow. Hence, this doctrine
helps to clarify that they are actually undergoing ‘suffering’ and also providing the
cause of sufferings, the way to end the sufferings and the steps to be taken in stopping
all the sufferings. This teachings reflects the reality of life and thus it is appropriate to
be adopted by the society today.

18
Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ordinary
19
MacMillan Dictionary. Retrieved from:
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/people_1#people_1__4

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 4.2 The Teaching of Eight-Fold Path Provides a Clear Guidelines to the
Followers.
In my opinion, the Eight-Fold Path are suitable to be applied by people today because
it serves as a clear and unambiguous way to escape all miserable sufferings in these
days. Moreover, the 8 factors (which has been explained in above) are not impossible
for one to follow. This teaching show us things that we should do; and things that we
should refrain from doing it. It can be easily accepted by ordinary person because it is
relevant to our daily lifestyle.

For instance, Internet is used widely throughout the world and the usage of social media
such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is not a new phenomenon today. In
consequence, some users tend to misuse the social media to comment maliciously, to
spread defamation statements and to uttered slanderous words. By practicing ‘right
speech’, one of the 8 – Fold Path, the person would abstain himself from doing so.
Instead, he would be careful in using his words when communicating with others since
he is aware of the importance and consequence of his speech. From here, we can see
that Buddhism does not totally prohibit the usage of Internet or social media, but it
reminds the people to practice ‘right speech’ to avoid doing harms to other persons.
Hence, the Eight-Fold Path serves as a reminder and guidelines in lightening the
pathway to achieve the Nirvana.

4.3 The nature of the Noble Eight-Fold Path

This Eight-Fold Path is also known as the middle way as it rejects the extreme of
indulgence and also the extreme of self- tortured in attempting to gain liberation by
afflicting the body. 20 Applying the factor of ‘right livelihood’ for example, Buddha
does not stop his followers to earn living for their family. However, the earnings and
properties must be acquired legally without any immoral act. From here, we can see
that the teachings of Buddhism is to promote a moderate way of living. Due to the non-
extreme and non- aggressive principles, people in current society are more willing to
accept. Hence, there is no reason why such principles are not appropriate to be applied
in present society.

20
See supra, note 7.

8
5.0 Conclusion
Instead of seeking help from gods, people are taught to find their own enlightenment in
Buddhism. Thus, Buddhists must be able to understand the Four Noble Truths and those
who follows the Eightfold Path will break the bonds that tie one to life and will achieve
release from the cycle. 21 He is said to have reached the cessation of suffering and
attained the ultimate destination of Nirvana. Such understandings and paths are still
relevant to be applicable in the present context due to the moderate teachings of Buddha
as explained in the reasons above.

21
See supra, note 14.

9
6.0 Bibliography

Books
Bhikkhu Bodhi (1999). The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering.
Retrieved from:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html#ch2

Dictionaries
Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ordinary

MacMillan Dictionary. Retrieved from:

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/people_1#people_1__4

Journal Articles
(2009). Buddhism at a glance.BBC. Retrieved from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Buddhist Studies: The First Noble Truth. Retrieved from:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s03.htm

Buddhist Studies: The Second Noble Truth. Retrieved from:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s04.htm

Buddhist Studies: The Third Noble Truth. Retrieved from:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s05.htm

Dana Nourie (2013). What is the Eightfold Path? Secular Buddhist

Association. Retrieved from:
http://secularbuddhism.org/2013/05/03/what-is-the-eightfold-path/

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and Centre for World Peace and Health. Retrieved from:
http://www.samyeling.org/about/buddhism-and-meditation/teaching-archive-
2/kenchen-thrangu-rinpoche/the-four-noble-truths-and-the-eightfold-path/

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 Ngakma Nor’dzin Pamo. The Emptiness & Form of the Four Noble Truths &
the Eightfold Path. Aro Encyclopedia. Retrieved from:
http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/n/noble_truths_ar_eng.php

The Path to Peace: The Third Noble Truth of Buddhism. Retrieved from:
http://www.noble-buddhism-beliefs.com/the-third-noble-truth.html

Lecture Slides
Dr. Mohana Dass a/l Ramasamy. (2016). Buddhism II: The Teachings of Buddha.
[PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from:
http://spectrum.um.edu.my/pluginfile.php/389300/mod_resource/content/0/Lect%201
4%20-%20Buddhism%20II%20-%20Teachings%20%28Students%29.pdf

11