The Truth of Suffering and the Path of Liberation
by Chögyam Trungpa
Edited by Judith L. Lief
Shambhala (2009)
The Truth of Suffering is an ideal introduction and exploration into Buddha’s teaching known as the four noble truths. These four truths are the Buddha’s lessons on suffering, its cause and its cessation. The teachings also include the way to practice in order to overcome anxiety, deception and neurosis. Trungpa explores and explains the four truths masterfully in this text.
The first noble truth is recognizing the reality of suffering and understanding the experience of suffering. Recognition is the first step to being present. After recognition, we begin to dissect the suffering experience by working on our habits and ego.
The second noble truth is understanding the origin of suffering and learning avoidance. We can learn avoidance by examining our flickering thoughts and set patterns of thought and behavior. Understanding these pattern mechanics help us to recognize what is undesirable.
The third truth is cessation of goal attainment. This leads to a gradual transcending into more awareness, a living meditation with a more mindful presence while decreasing fixation.
The fourth noble truth is the path to actualization. It is the realization that the path is yours and the result of your actions alone. Actualizing this awareness with the world leads us towards contentment.
Judith Lief wonderfully edited Trungpa’s helpful and concise presentation. It is easily understood and his teachings are originally laid out as an ideal introduction for the beginner as well as the experienced practitioner in search of deeper understanding.
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