$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
Desire or craving is the cause of suffering. It is the force of desire that leads to rebirth and further suffering, accompanied by delight and passion.
Cessation of Suffering:
The complete cessation of desires or cravings will end the suffering. Forsaking, relinquishing, and detaching of ourselves from desire and craving will automatically end the pain, pleasure, birth and rebirth.
Path to end the Suffering:
By practicing the noble eight fold path, one can end the suffering:
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Right belief
Right thought or aim
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood or occupation Right effort or endeavor
Right mindfulness
Right meditation
The first two concern the preliminary frame of mind of the aspirant; the next three are the ethical requirements; the last three concern meditative training needed to realize ultimate truth and peace. This attainment of peace is called Nirvana.
Beliefs
The Supreme is completely transcendent and can be described as Sunya, a void, an emptiness, or state of non being.
The Four Noble Truths are:
•
Suffering exists
Desire is the cause of Suffering
Cessation of Desire or Thrust ends Suffering
To end Desire one must follow the Eight Fold path Life's aim is to end suffering through the annihilation of individual ego, desire, or thrust and hence its existence and absorption into Nirvana.
Individuals have three characteristics suffering (Dukkha), absence of an eternal self (Anattä), and impermanence (Aniccä).
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