“How are the Four Noble Truths Ennobling?” with Jane this Sunday at Minneapolis Insight

Dear Community,

Sunday 10am Community Practice & Discussion

In Phillip Moffitt’s book Dancing With Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering, he describes the 12 insights of the Four Noble Truths. In the book and at other times, he refers to the Four Noble Truths as “Ennobling Truths.” In the beginning of the book, he explains why:

“When you learn to be with the truth of your suffering and the suffering of those for whom you care in a mindful, compassionate manner, you are ennobled. Being able to bear your pain with dignity empowers you to examine your suffering and bring an end to it.  This is why the Buddha starts the Four Noble Truths with suffering, because only the noble ones, those who can stay with the Truth of Dukkha are able to realize the 12 insights.”

Phillip goes on to say that the first insight (the Truth of Dukkha) is about being able to carry the weight of the difficulties of your life, with dignity, rather than resisting, denying or collapsing underneath them. He goes on to say, “When you deny or resist the experience of your own suffering, you are unwilling to consciously bear it.It is this resistance to accepting your life, just as it is, that makes suffering ignoble, despicable, and shameful. It is a mistake and can cause you additional suffering.“ 

Therefore, “In the first insight the Buddha asks you to carry your suffering without judgment and without resistance, to bear it with compassion and mindfulness in your heart. If you can learn to separate your resistance to suffering, from the actual pains and difficulties of your life, an incredible transformation takes place.”

This Sunday we will practice together and explore ways in which we are able to bear our suffering in ways that are ennobling and transformative.  All are welcome! Registration and Zoom information available here.

With mettā,
Minneapolis Insight