Zen Reflections on the Four Noble Truths

Returning to the basics, Jogen Sensei addresses the Buddha's core teaching of the four noble truths. As with all the Buddha's teachings, the four truths point to an active experiential investigation. This teaching is medicine; we have to learn how to administer it skillfully and appropriately. On one level, the practice of meditation is a direct, intimate disclosure of these four truths, with each truth revealing a new perspective and insight. The traditional formulation of the four noble truths is as follows: 1) The truth of dukkha (suffering or dis-ease); 2) The truth of craving (tanha) as the cause of suffering; 3) The truth of the end of suffering; 4) The truth of the eightfold path as the way to liberation from suffering Jogen Salzberg, Sensei - 5/17/20 - Great Vow Zen Monastery