Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths

Abstract

The Four Noble Truths are recorded as being the first teaching given by the Buddha after he attained enlightenment, and they represent the foundations for the entire collection of teachings that the Buddha subsequently expounded. Indeed, every aspect of Buddhist practice is somehow encompassed by this simple yet profound teaching, and no study or practice of any component of the Buddha’s teachings—including mindfulness—is complete without a thorough understanding of how it relates to the Four Noble Truths. This chapter employs deductive logical analysis (DLA) in order to examine the validity and logical soundness of the Four Noble Truths and then discusses their individual and collective implications for comprehending, practising, and working with mindfulness.