Teachings /

The Twelve Insight Practices of the Four Noble Truths

Summation of the Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the Buddha’s first teaching, said to contain the sum of all of his teachings. Based on one of the oldest Theravada texts (Samyutta Nikaya), there is a rarely taught practice of utilizing the Four Noble Truths to attain Twelve Insights that bring freedom and well-being. These insights prescribe a radically different way for us, with our vulnerability and fear, to engage with life just as it is and find joy even in the midst of suffering.

  • First Noble Truth: dukkha is interwoven in the moments of your life.

  • Second Noble Truth: The cause of your dukkha is clinging to desired objects and states of being.

  • Third Noble Truth: You can release dukkha by letting go of clinging to those desires.

  • Fourth Noble Truth: There is an Eightfold Path from dukkha to freedom that you can follow.

Phillip Moffitt writes in Dancing with Life, “There are three insights associated with each Noble Truth, and they follow a similar pattern ….

  • The First Insight for each Truth is to be understood by reflecting on the Truth;

  • the Second Insight is to be practiced by directly experiencing the Truth;

  • and the Third Insight is gained by knowing that you know the Truth.”

Understanding the meaning of these Noble Truths is the foundation of Buddhist wisdom.

The Four Noble Truths as Practices

Phillip Moffitt shares his personal encounter with Ajahn Sumedho and how it led to a lifelong study of the Twelve Insight Practices of the Four Noble Truths and Phillip’s writing of Dancing With Life: Buddhist Insights for Finding Meaning and Joy in the Face of Suffering.

Cultivating the Four Noble Truths Through the Naturally Arising Practice Method

Phillip Moffitt shares an overview of the Naturally Arising Practice Method, including how it supports the development of understanding of the Four Noble Truths.

Understanding the Difference Between Objective and Subjective Dukkha

Alex Haley shares the difference between the objective dukkha that’s entwined with life and the subjective dukkha of clinging that can be released.

Guided Meditation Practice with the Four Noble Truths

Here is a 31-min guided meditation from Alex Haley on cultivating a new relationship with dukkha and all of life.

Resources for Further Study and Practice