The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path constitute an eminently rational method for curing spiritual malaise that is similar in approach to the method used by medical science in curing physical illness. In addition, the Buddha’s system agrees fundamentally with the scientific approach in studying phenomena – natural, cultural, or social – to arrive at general principles, work in accord with these principles, and apply them to the creation of human ideals. On the basis of an understanding of the principle of cause and effect, the Buddhist system accurately identifies mental actions and fate as the effects of causes and applies this principle to the creation of an ideal spiritual condition. This is the basic meaning of the Four Noble Truths.
Basic Buddhist Concepts