Significance of Four holy truths
The Four holy truths are central to both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. Mahayana views them as Sakya-muni's teachings on suffering and the path to liberation, while Theravada emphasizes the principles established by the Awakened, which delineate the nature of pain, its origin, cessation, and the path to achieving that cessation. Despite different interpretations, both schools recognize these truths as foundational to understanding and alleviating suffering in the Buddhist tradition.
Synonyms: Four noble truths
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Four holy truths'
The Four Holy Truths in Buddhism, articulated by Sakya-muni, encompass the essence of suffering, its origins, cessation, and the path to liberation, forming foundational teachings guiding practitioners towards enlightenment.
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Fundamental doctrines that outline the nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.[1] (2) Key teachings in Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering, its origins, cessation, and the path leading to its end.[2]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The text uses this term to describe knowledge of suffering, knowledge of origin, knowledge of cessation, and knowledge of the way, which is essential to understanding the path.[3] (2) Fundamental insights in Buddhism that are deeply understood, leading to clarity and comprehension of existence.[4]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The core teachings of Buddhism as announced by Sakya-muni at Benares, detailing the nature and causes of suffering and the path to liberation.[5]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The core principles outlined by the Awakened that include the nature of pain, the origin of pain, the cessation of pain, and the path leading to the cessation.[6]