First Teaching of the Buddha | Asalha Full Moon | Ajahn Dhammasiha | Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

Dhammagiri Buddhist Podcasts

On Āsāḷhā Full Moon, Ajahn Dhammasiha discusses the the first discourse of the Buddha, the sutta on 'Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma' (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).

In particular, he describes how the Buddha's teaching on the 4 Noble Truth is similar to the approach of a good doctor:

1. A good doctor first has to assess the patients true condition by carefully noting all symptoms: For example, fever & cough & weekness.
2. Then he has to find the cause of the problem to provide a diagnosis: For example, infection of lungs with pneumokokkal bacteria, causing pneumonia with above symptons.
3. Then he will have to remove the cause to cure the sickness: For example, antibiotics against the bacteria.
4. Then he provides a suitable treatment plan including prescription for medicine: For example, penicillin 3 times a day with the meal; rest in bed; keeping warm.

The Buddha follows exactly the same approach:

1. Assess our true existential condition: Subject to birth, aging, sickness & death, and various other forms of pain and suffering.
2. Find the underlying cause: Craving (Taṇhā).
3. Remove the cause to free us from death and suffering: Abandon craving.
4. Treatment plan / Prescription: Noble 8-Fold Path

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