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[Alexandr Korol]

Four characteristics of the Truth of Suffering

Impermanence (anitya): “All that is compounded is impermanent”; any combinations of the five groups (skandhas) of elements that make up the phenomenal world are temporary in nature. Four types of gross impermanence: “the end of birth is death, the end of meeting is separation, the end of accumulation is exhaustion, the end of high position is downfall.”
Suffering (duhkha): “that which is born under the control of defilements has the nature of suffering”; all phenomena are afflicted with suffering because the combinations of the five groups (skandhas) of elements are conditioned by the action of karma and polluting factors (kleshas, avarana).
Emptiness (shunyata): “the five skandhas are empty of true existence”; the elements that make up the personality lack inherent essence and possess only conditional characteristics that manifest in combinations.
Selflessness (anatman): “all is without self, there is no ‘I’ and ‘mine’”; there exists no entity separate from the five groups (skandhas) of elements, no self-identified being that controls or possesses the combination of these groups.
The formulations of the four aspects of the Truth of Suffering and the types of gross impermanence can also be found in the Jataka “Exposition of Various Examples (Attaining the Teaching)” from the “Sutra on Wisdom and Foolishness” (Tib. Dzanlungdo), where the Bodhisattva underwent harsh trials for the sake of obtaining the “holy Teaching” (Dharma). Dharmakirti, in the Pramanavarttika, explains that the four aspects of the Truth of Suffering are connected in a specific order of meditation: “From the realization of impermanence arises the understanding of suffering; from the understanding of suffering arises the understanding of emptiness and selflessness.” It is believed that the realization of these first four of the sixteen aspects holds the greatest significance: after comprehending the first four, it becomes easier to understand the remaining ones. Meditation on the four aspects of the Truth of Suffering is intended to generate aversion to samsara.

The Second Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering

Samudaya, the truth of the cause of suffering — “arising,” “origin,” “appearance.” The Second Noble Truth points out that the causes of suffering and happiness are not