The Noble Truth of the Eightfold Path : หน้า 57/263

4.1 The Path as the Escape from the Cycle of Existence This is the direct definition of the Noble Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering. Whosoever wishes to traverse the ocean of the Cycle of Existence, needs to rely on the Noble Eightfold Path as the Supreme and Magnificent Vessel that can ride out all storms and perils to reach the other side of the worldly realms safely, without deviation or shipwreck. The ocean of the Cycle of Existence is brimming with the tears brought forth in the course of the suffering of birth, aging, sickness and death of living beings. Furthermore, the ocean of the Cycle of Existence is haunted by countless malevolent spirits and predatory fishes, comparable to the defilements of greed, hatred, delusion and stinginess. This ocean is so deep that aside from the Noble Eightfold Path, there is no vessel which could manage to make the crossing without being dashed to pieces by the fierce waves and their passengers all drowned or becoming food to the fish. The Noble Eightfold Path alone can withstand the crossing to Nirvana—the Lord Buddha explained the Noble Eightfold Path thus to communicate the outstanding majesty of this fourth Noble Truth. 4.2 The Path as the Cause In order to show the relationship between the Noble Truth of 'Path' and the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, the Buddha taught that for all those who wish to escape the Cycle of Existence who have not yet succeeded, the reason is because craving still lurks in their minds — or they lack the wisdom to comprehend the danger of craving — and who still let clinging to rebirth [upādāna] run amok — and who can thereby not manage to find a Noble Vessel by which to traverse the Ocean of Worldliness.