Buddhism: Pointing the Way to Supreme Happiness
By Maya Malay

Buddhism is a vastly rich and colorful religious tradition. Beyond that, it is a profound spiritual psychology, a way to freedom from suffering and a direct path to enlightenment. Here in the west, as more people begin to see it for what it is, Buddhism is increasing in popularity

The discourses, as given by the Buddha, emphasize teachings and practices which liberate sentient beings from samsara (the cycles of birth and death characterized by suffering, ignorance and impermanence) For the practitioner, they provide conceptual understanding and skills necessary to transcend suffering, manage the mind, and bring a clear vision of Truth. Through contemplation, practice, and noble activities the "Buddha nature" is revealed.

Shortly after the attainment of his enlightenment, the Buddha explained the way to liberation from suffering. "Turning the wheel of Dharma" he gave his first discourse in Sarnath, India. This teaching is called the Four Noble Truths. This is the heart of all Buddhist teachings.

The First Noble Truth is that "life is suffering". This principle may, in and of itself, cause a distaste and resistance to the very idea. Yet as we observe this worldly existence, it has many dissatisfying, if not painful experiences. Many things occur which are not of our liking, not in our control and we suffer as a result.

The second Noble Truth is that "there is a cause of suffering". The cause of suffering is rooted in desire and ignorance. If we examine closely, we see that when we experience suffering in any form it is a desire… a desire to have something, to keep something, a desire to not have something that we do have, or a desire to keep something away that we fear may come to us. This produces clinging, resistance and ignorance. Ignorance, in relation to suffering, means the ignorance of our own Buddha nature.

The Third Noble Truth is "the cessation of suffering". There is a way out of suffering! We may have discomfort, even pain, but it need not go hand in hand with suffering. When we come to recognize and accept the impermanent nature of this existence and that we are safe in any experience, suffering is eradicated. There is a Buddhist saying that goes: "May you know happiness even in times of discomfort. May you know peace even in times of suffering". To our western minds, that are so often "either/or, mentally", this notion may seem inconsistent. Through right understanding and practice we can achieve happiness, even in times of discomfort.

The Fourth Noble Truth is "there is a path to the cessation of suffering". That is the Noble Eight fold path. This path consists of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Through these principals, practices and guidelines for moral conduct our thoughts, words and actions are purified. We become free from suffering and the clear-light Buddha nature is revealed within us.

The teachings in Buddhism are extensive. However, these Four Noble Truths are the basic road map that points the way to supreme happiness and the enlightened state. This allows us to stop outside the dream, while being fully present within it. In embracing the teachings, we realize life is far too important to be taken seriously, we are free to play in any circumstance and that we are safe in all experiences.

Om Mani Pad Ma Hum
"May all beings always be joyful"