The Four Noble Truths Explained in Greater Detail

The 6th lesson of FGS South Island’s eight-week English Buddhism Terminology Class was held on 24th January. English Social Education’s Shenghan Lim guided the class of 13 people in learning the concepts of the Four Noble Truths. Those present included Temple Supervisor Venerable Juexi, Venerable Miaoyu and 11 students.

The class began by reviewing last week’s lesson content, and continued with an explanation of the causes of suffering. The students were divided into 2 groups, where they discussed the workings of the ‘Ten Wholesome Deeds’. The students came up with an example to illustrate the cause of suffering, saying that greed inspires stealing, and stealing results in imprisonment.

Venerable Juexi said that sentient beings need to look at the result to understand the cause whereas Bodhisattvas can understand the cause even without seeing the result. Lay Dharma Lecturer Rona Chen explained the sequence the Four Noble Truths to illustrate its relationship with cause and effect. Through discussion, the students gained a better understanding of the Four Noble Truths as well as the karma of the body, speech and mind.