Labels

Sunday 28 June 2020

“I don’t understand how can the Four Noble Truths solve problems?”

Question from Singapore:  “I don’t understand how can the Four Noble Truths solve problems?”

Than Ajahn:  “The First Noble Truth is called dukkha (suffering) or problems. When we have problems, we have sufferings. We don’t feel good. This is the First Noble Truth: we have problems. 

Problem arises from your desire. This is the cause of your problem. For example, you want more money and when you don’t get more money, it becomes a problem. You spend more than you earn. So, the cause of your problem is wanting for more money and when you cannot get more money, it becomes a problem. 

If you want to get rid of this problem, then just get rid of your desire for wanting to get more money. Just accept whatever you can earn. Spend only on what you have. Don’t spend more than what you have. Then, you won’t have any problem. This is the Fourth Noble Truth which is the path to the cessation of the problem, to see that the problem is caused by your desire. If you cannot get what you desire for, then stop desiring. Take whatever you can get. Then, the problem disappears.” 

“Dhamma in English, Q&A session, Mar 28, 2018.”

By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto

No comments:

Post a Comment