Question 1

The Exalted One states that a middle path can be found if we renounce&#10;A) the pursuit of sensual indulgences&#10;B) received wisdom&#10;C) the denial of all pleasures&#10;D) both (a) and (c)

Accepted Answer

The Exalted One states that a middle path can be found if we renounce both the pursuit of sensual indulgences (option A) and the denial of all pleasures (option C). The middle path involves renouncing extreme behaviors and finding a balance between indulging in pleasures and denying oneself completely. As for option B, there is no indication that received wisdom must be renounced to find the middle path.

Question 2

According to the Exalted One's sermon, the cause of the suffering prevalent in human life is&#10;A) disagreement and strife among human beings&#10;B) scarcity of material goods&#10;C) our attachment and craving for worldly things&#10;D) laziness and distraction

Accepted Answer

The Exalted One's sermon identifies attachment and craving for worldly things as the cause of suffering in human life. The Buddha teaches that these desires lead to an endless cycle of wanting and grasping, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and suffering. By cultivating detachment and letting go of our desires, we can find peace and liberation from suffering.

Question 3

The key to reducing human suffering is to renounce, and thereby liberate ourselves from, our desires and cravings

Accepted Answer

According to many Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism, the root cause of human suffering is our attachment to desires and cravings. By renouncing or letting go of these attachments, we can achieve a state of liberation or enlightenment and reduce our own and others' suffering.

Question 4

What are some similarities between the Stoic view of death and suffering as expounded by Epictetus and the view of death and suffering suggested by the Four Noble Truths? What are some important differences?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some similarities between the Stoic...

Question 5

How do you interpret the Exalted One's saying that he has come to know that &#34;This is my last birth, and now there is no existence again&#34;? What is the state or condition that the Four Noble Truths propose will lead to a life free of suffering?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do you interpret the Exalted One's...

Deck 24: Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion Excerpts