Core Buddhist Principles

The Four Noble Truths

Fundamental teaching on experience & potential.

1. The existence of suffering dukkha .
   Acknowledge dissatisfaction (gross to subtle) without aversion/judgment.
2. The origin samudāya of suffering (craving).
   Observe how craving (clinging/aversion) fuels suffering. Identify taṇhā.
3. The cessation nirodha of suffering (Nibbāna).
   Know liberation is possible via cessation of craving.
4. The path magga for the cessation of suffering (The Noble Eightfold Path).
   Engage the Eightfold Path to uproot craving & realize cessation.

/ The Three Poisons Kilesa & Virtues

Root causes of suffering & their antidotes.

• Greed/lust Lobha
  Observe desire's arising & impermanence without acting. Counter with generosity, letting go, contemplating unattractiveness (asubha).
• Hatred/anger Dosa
  Meet anger/aversion with mindful breath. Investigate roots (unmet expectations). Cultivate loving-kindness (Mettā) as antidote.
• Delusion/ignorance Moha
  Challenge assumptions about self/reality. Question 'self'-views. Cultivate clarity via mindfulness; investigate Three Marks & Dependent Origination.

• Generosity Dāna
  Look for chances to give (time, attention, support, smile, advice). Notice letting go & joy. Give without expecting return.
• Lovingkindness Mettā (Antidote to Hatred)
• Wisdom Paññā (Antidote to Delusion)
  Reflect on Three Marks daily. Investigate cause/effect (kamma). See how understanding impermanence, suffering, not-self reduces clinging/aversion.

The Five Precepts Pañcasīla

To live ethically, refrain from:

1. Killing Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī
   Extend compassion to all beings, even insects. Respect life. Avoid intentionally causing death.
2. Stealing Adinnādānā veramaṇī
   Respect others' property/consent. Practice contentment. Be mindful of unintentional taking (e.g., office supplies).
3. Sexual misconduct Kāmesumicchācāra veramaṇī
   Engage sexually responsibly & ethically, avoiding harm, exploitation, coercion, deceit. Respect commitments & consent.
4. False speech Musāvādā veramaṇī
   Speak truthfully, kindly, constructively, timely. Avoid gossip, slander, harsh words, meaningless chatter.
5. Intoxicants causing heedlessness Surāmerayamajja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī
   Avoid substances (alcohol, drugs) & excessive activities (entertainment) causing carelessness, impairing judgment, hindering mindfulness.

The Three Kinds of Suffering Dukkha

Understand Dukkha via categories:

1. The suffering of pain Dukkha-dukkhatā
   Acknowledge physical/mental pain, loss, sadness without resistance, avoiding the 'second arrow' of added suffering.
2. The suffering of change Vipariṇāma-dukkhatā
   Reflect how pleasant experiences are temporary; dependence leads to stress/disappointment when they inevitably change/cease.
3. The suffering of conditionality Saṅkhāra-dukkhatā
   Contemplate pervasive unsatisfactoriness of being subject to birth, aging, death, & the five aggregates (khandhas) - inherently impermanent & not-self.

3 Marks of Existence Tilakkhaṇa

All conditioned phenomena are marked by:

1. Impermanence Anicca
   Observe constant arising/passing of thoughts, feelings, sensations. Nothing is static; reduces clinging & expectation.
2. Suffering/Unsatisfactoriness Dukkha
   See how attachment to impermanent things leads to disappointment/stress when they change. Recognize inherent unease in conditioned states.
3. Not-self Anattā
   Investigate experiences (thoughts, body, feelings). Find a permanent, independent 'I'? Notice phenomena arise/cease based on conditions, not a fixed self.

The Seven Points of Posture

(Primarily Tibetan, not specific Theravada Sutta list)

The Five Hindrances Nīvaraṇa

Mental obstacles obscuring clarity.

1. Sensual desire Kāma-chanda
   Recognize sensual desire. Note it ('desire') & gently return focus to meditation object. Contemplate unattractiveness (asubha) or impermanence.
2. Ill will Vyāpāda / Byāpāda
   Acknowledge aversion/ill will. Counteract by cultivating Mettā, even towards difficult people/sensations. Understand its harm.
3. Sloth and torpor Thīna-middha
   Notice drowsiness/heaviness. Counteract: brighten mind (visualize light), adjust posture, walking meditation, mindful energy cultivation.
4. Restlessness and worry Uddhacca-kukkucca
   Recognize agitated mind or worry/remorse. Gently return attention to breath/body. Broaden focus slightly if needed. Cultivate calm & acceptance.
5. Doubt Vicikicchā
   Acknowledge doubt (about practice, teachings, teacher). Note it ('doubt'). Recall motivation, trust process, investigate wisely, seek clarification.

The Four Metta Phrases

(Common practice phrases from Mettā Sutta)

1. May I/you be free from danger
2. May I/you be happy
3. May I/you be healthy
4. May I/you live with ease

The Five Remembrances Abhiṇhapaccavekkhaṇa

Subjects for reflection.

1. I am subject to aging...
   Reflect on inevitable aging. How does this change priorities? Use to motivate practice & compassion, not despair.
2. I am subject to illness...
   Acknowledge fragile health. Cultivate well-being now, but don't cling. Develop mental resilience for illness.
3. I am subject to death...
   Contemplate certain death, uncertain time. Focus on what matters, live meaningfully *now*. Reduces fear/procrastination.
4. I will grow different, separate from all dear...
   Reflect on impermanence of relationships, possessions, status, body. Appreciate now without clinging. Reduces suffering from loss.
5. I am the owner of my actions kamma ...
   Understand intentional actions (kamma) shape future experiences. Focus on cultivating skillful actions. Take responsibility.

The Six Stages of Metta

(Common practice structure, cf. Visuddhimagga)

1. Yourself
2. A good friend/respected person
3. A neutral person
4. A difficult person
5. All four (equally)
6. The entire universe (all beings)

The Four Brahma-Viharas Brahmavihāra

Sublime Abodes / Divine States:

1. Lovingkindness Mettā
   Cultivate warmth, friendliness, unconditional positive regard towards self & all beings, wishing them true happiness.
2. Compassion Karuṇā
   Develop empathy for suffering (self/others). Cultivate sincere wish for suffering to end. Feel into pain without being overwhelmed.
3. Joy Muditā (Sympathetic Joy)
   Cultivate sympathetic joy – genuinely rejoicing in others' happiness & success, free from envy or resentment.
4. Equanimity Upekkhā
   Develop mental balance, stability, impartiality towards all beings & circumstances (gain/loss, praise/blame). See beings as heirs of kamma.

The Eight Vicissitudes Atthalokadhamma

Universal worldly conditions:

The Three Jewels Tiratana

Core objects of refuge.

• I take refuge in the Buddha Buddha (The Awakened One)
  Recall Buddha's qualities (wisdom, compassion) as inspiration. Cultivate confidence in the path.
• I take refuge in the Dharma Dhamma (The Teachings/Truth)
  Trust teachings as map to end suffering. Study, reflect, investigate via practice, realize truth for yourself.
• I take refuge in the Sangha Saṅgha (The Community)
  Appreciate support & example of fellow practitioners. Engage community for learning/encouragement. Recognize value of Ariya Sangha.

The Five Aggregates Pañca Khandha

The components of "self":

1. Form/Matter Rūpa
2. Feeling/Sensation Vedanā
3. Perception Saññā
4. Mental Formations Saṅkhārā
5. Consciousness Viññāṇa