Episode 6, 6 December 2014, Gautama Buddha's Fourth Truth.

Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog.

A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org

A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-6-transcript-gautama-buddhas-fourth-truth

This Episode: Gautama Buddha's Fourth Truth. [00:17]

1. What is your view? [00:22]

In the fourth of Gautama Buddha's truths, he explains the path we need to take to free ourselves from suffering.

It is known as the Eightfold Path, and it comprises of three aspects:

Seeing Clearly, is the first part and it includes:

Right View, and

Right Intention.

2. Right View. [01:19]

Setting out on the Eightfold Path without the Right View is like starting a journey without a map.

If you get into your car without knowing where you are going and what landmarks you are going to encounter along the way, you are bound to get lost.

Similarly, if you set of on this path and have no idea what you are doing you will become lost and disillusioned.

First, get the view correct and the rest will become clearer.

3. Cause and Effect, and Karma. [02:52]

Here, some would say we need to understand the workings of Karma, but this is such a hot potato these days.

If you believe in Karma and Rebirth, and it motivates you to be a good person, then follow that view.

However if you are not a lover of Rebirth, and prefer to keep your Buddhism firmly planted in this life, then you should understand the workings of Cause and Effect.

Whatever we do there will be a result.

Life is like an echo:

Whatever you put out comes back;

Once you have the Right View concerning Suffering and Cause and Effect, you will be ready to move along the path.

Next time, I'll talk about Right Intention.

Outro. [04:55]

You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/

The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings;

Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living;

Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings.

They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle.

Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.