Sat, Feb 16th, 2008, 1-4 pm, Allegheny College, Ford Chapel

The Four Noble Truths

Buddhist teaching with Tempa Dukte Lama, sponsored by Allegheny College

The four Noble Truths are the basis of the teachings given by the Buddha after his awakening. They are suffering, the causes of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path of transformation. The Buddhist view of practice is to recognize that suffering exists in our own lives and the lives of others. Noticing our suffering with gentleness and openness allows us to work towards its transformation. Yet, transformation is not possible if we fail to recognize the causes of our suffering. Also, the Four Noble Truths are not just about acknowledging our suffering and its causes, but about deepening our practice to transform it. Specifically, the Buddha taught a path of transformation based on self-compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness. Tempa Lama will talk about the suffering that we cause in our lives through our emotional insecurities, our conditioning, and the pressure that we put on ourselves through self-judgment and the demanding nature of the world around us. Together, we will explore how we can heal our insecurities and our suffering through a practice of self-compassion and how we can reconnect with the innate peace and joy of our minds and hearts.

Photo by Kelly Wood