World History 9A
October 28, 2001
SIDDARTHA'S FOLLOWING OF THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
In this paper, I will be explaining how Siddhartha had arrived at the Four Noble Truths. The first paragraph contains how Siddhartha's life was full of suffering, pain, and sorrow. The second paragraph will be the cause of suffering is the desire for things that are really illusions in Siddhartha's life. Following, in the third paragraph I will be explaining how the only way to cure suffering is to overcome desire. Finally, I will be explaining that the only way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path. The first Noble Truth is, all life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow. Siddhartha had related to this due to his riches. Siddhartha had gained great wealth due to his working for Kamaswuasi. However, the only piece that Siddhartha lacked was that he knew his wealth was superficial. Though every man wishes he be rich, Siddhartha believed that being rich was not the key to reach nirvana. The second Noble Truth is, the cause of suffering is the desire for things that are really illusions, such as riches, power, and long life. Siddhartha had all of these things, however, no matter how rich, how powerful, how old, one can not reach nirvana by materialistic matters. In Siddhartha's life, while a merchant, he played dice. However, when he lost he did not get mad, due to the fact that riches were not greatly important to him. The third Noble Truth is the only cure for suffering is to overcome desire. Siddhartha explains this Noble Truth by going to the river. In the river, he sees his shadow, and meditates. By meditating he is losing all the sorrows. As well, he is losing self and might help him achieve enlightenment. The last Noble Truth is the way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path. Siddhartha followed the Eightfold Path by when he was down by the river. When he was by the river he could live the life he wanted to by...
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