In almost every Buddhist tradition, the Four Noble Truths are the central teachings of the Buddha that express the reality of the path of awakening–that there is dukkha (variously translated as suffering, unsatisfactoriness, insecurity, stress, etc.); that the cause of dukkha is the clinging mind; that dukkha can cease; and that there is a path to the cessation of dukkha. Understanding and putting into practice these truths with a wise heart is the purpose of our study and practice together.

The story is told that on the night of the Buddha’s awakening, he sat sheltered by the banyan or bodhi tree, resting with perfect equipoise and being attacked by the armies of Mara – arrows and spears of temptation and aggression. He sat facing all the difficulties of Mara (who, by the way, doesn’t just live in BodhGaya, but also seems to live in New York City). He touched each arrow with his great compassion until his mind and heart became absolutely clear, so clear that he could look and see the rounds of birth and death of all beings, including himself.

The Buddha saw all the different ways people become entangled in life… the struggles with this and the struggles with that. Yet, what he discovered is that tremendous freedom is possible, even in the midst of the natural vicissitudes of life. His revelation is at the heart of spiritual life: That if we see and meet this world truthfully and without clinging, freedom is possible.

Lucky for us, he chose to teach this discovery and to teach it in the bravest, most straightforward way he could, what is called The Lion’s Roar – a teaching that is fierce and clear. This Lion’s Roar is the teachings of the 4 Noble Truths. Do you hear it?