Hello wonderful Sangha.

I hope everyone’s new year is kicking off to a great start. I’d like to just post a few quotes from the suttas about the 1st Noble Truth. These are excellent for contemplation and (if you are really inspired) memorization. Several teachers I have studied with have stressed the importance of the words of the Buddha and that great merit is generated by memorizing his words. At the very least, becoming familiar with the suttas helps direct our mind towards the Dharma. So here are a few quotes regarding the 1st Noble Truth. Feel free to share them!

“Now this, monks, is the Noble Truth of dukkha: Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, death is dukkha; sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair are dukkha; association with the unbeloved is dukkha; separation from the loved is dukkha; not getting what is wanted is dukkha. In short, the five clinging-aggregates are dukkha.” -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

“‘Dukkha should be known. The cause by which dukkha comes into play should be known. The diversity in dukkha should be known. The result of dukkha should be known. The cessation of dukkha should be known. The path of practice for the cessation of dukkha should be known.’ Thus it has been said.” -Nibbedhika Sutta

May all realize the end of dukkha and find happiness and peace.

Ben Mikolaj