Abstract:
The four noble truths are a main teaching in Buddhism that describes the way life and
attaining true happiness. It is theoretical technic that guide refrain from mental suffering.
These truths can be believed and applied by anyone, Buddhist or not for any suffering. The
first two noble truths, the truths of suffering and truth of the origin of suffering, really reflect
the nature of our present life. The truth of cessation and the truth of the path that leads to
cessation are the methods to eliminate suffering and its origin.
Stress is our mental, physical, and emotional reactions to any perceived demands which
continue for a long time may lead to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or mental health
problems. Stress is very harmful and it should be managed.
The four noble truths can be applied to stress management. The first truth is stress. We must
understand what stress is (Pariññeyyaṃ). This is logical that before taking medicine, we must
understand our illness. The second truth is cause of stress. The truth of origin should be
abandoned (Pahātabbaṃ). There are many causes of suffering or origin of stress. The third
truth is stress management. It should be realized (Sacchikātabbaṃ). Final truth is path leading
to stress management. It is with the noble eightfold path as it needs to manage the stress
(bhāvetabbaṃ).
Considering above facts, in this paper, my chief endeavor is to present a comparative study
about practicing the four noble truth and stress management on Buddhist psychology.