2.The basis of Buddhist ethics are the four noble truths. The first truth says thatlife is suffering. The second noble truth says that suffering is caused by craving. Thethird noble truth says that suffering can be overcome and happiness obtained. Thefourth noble truth is the path of overcoming suffering to happiness. The First Noble Truth is that life is suffering. In order to live, one must suffer. It isimpossible to go through life without experiencing some kind of suffering. One must endure physical suffering like injury, sickness, tiredness, and even death and one must endure mental suffering such as loneliness, fear, embarrassment, disappointment, andanger.The Second Noble Truth says that all suffering is caused by craving. When onelooks at mental suffering, it is easy to see how it is caused by craving. When a personwants something but they are unable to have it, they have a feeling of frustration. Whena person wants someone to live up to the expectations set before them and they do not,we feel disappointed. Basically, the Second Noble Truth tells us that getting what onewants does not guarantee happiness in ones life. Human nature constantly struggles toget what it wants, the Second Noble Truth says to modify your wanting. Wantingdeprives us happiness. The Third Noble Truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness attained.When one gains self control over craving this brings them happiness. This bringsenjoyment without wanting wordily objects. When this self control is obtained, patientsin enduring the problems of life evolves. This person then lives without fear, hatredand anger, and one becomes happy and free. The Fourth Noble Truth is the Path leading to the overcoming of suffering. Thispath consists of perfection in all areas of life including understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Buddhist practice consist ofpracticing these eight things until the...
