Understanding the Noble Truths of Suffering : หน้า 50/263

the 'Noble Truth of the Suffering', the 'Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering' and the 'Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering'. In brief, the artistry of the Lord Buddha is to integrate all four Noble Truths in his explanations. 1. Explanation of the Noble Truth of Suffering The Lord Buddha's explanation of suffering include all four of suffering's implications in the light of the Four Noble Truths: 1.1. Suffering as bringing misery 1.2. Suffering as conditioning 1.3. Suffering as an affliction 1.4. Suffering as decay 1.1. Suffering as bringing misery This is the direct explanation of the Noble Truth of Suffering — explained from the point of view of bringing misery. From this point of view, suffering has twelve characteristics: 1.1.1 Birth [jāti]: This form of suffering is unavoidable for all still caught in the cycle of existence. 1.1.2 Aging [jara]: This form of suffering has the charac- teristic of deterioration of the bodily organs and faculties. 1.1.3 Illness [byādi]: This form of suffering has the characteristic of coming from loss of good health, which makes one suffer in various ways. 1.1.4 Death [marana]: This form of suffering has the charac- teristic of bringing one to the end of one’s life. 1.1.5 Sorrow [soka]: This form of suffering is of the charac- teristic of being afflicting one with ‘burning in one’s heart’, anxiety, dry-mindedness — as if you have a huge weight on your chest or blocking the normal function of your chest. 1.1.6 Lamentation [parideva]: This is suffering that drives you to tears. 1.1.7 Pain [dukkha]: This is suffering that makes the mind