ABSTRACT

We have thus far reviewed the first three ofthe Noble Truths. These contain a certain conception, describing (1) Dukkha-the difficult situation the human is in, (2) Tanha-the passions as the essential cause ofthat situation, and (3) Nirvana-a way out, the possibility of transforming the passions. The fourth Noble Truth, which we have yet to review in detail, is not so much apart ofthe conception as it a set of methods for accomplishing the transformation. We will postpone consideration of these methods in order to discuss additional features of the general conception.