Four Truths to Enlightenment (now)

What is Buddhist "enlightenment"? Of the Four Noble Truths, the first is usually mistranslated as, "All life is suffering."

That's wrong, so no one bothers with the other three. The Buddha actually said, "All conditioned-phenomena are unsatisfactory." But who cares? What does that have to do with my awakening to ultimate truth?

The Four Noble Truths the Buddha taught are a summary of all the Teachings (Dharma). By penetrating them directly and fully, one realizes here and now that awakening (bodhi) that results in the end of all suffering (nirvana).

If they are that important, it is essential not to think we understand them when we actually have no idea what the Buddha was talking about. First of all, they are not "noble" truths. They are ENNOBLING truths because they lead, by their realization, to the "noble" (enlightened) state.

Tonight we will explain, discuss, then meditate for their realization here and now. Then this weekend (March 3-4) we will meet and question an enlightened Buddhist monk at University of the West, Los Angeles. Can't wait? Search the pages of Wisdom Quarterly.