Four attributes of true paths

• Examining the suffering arising from having wrong views
• Wisdom directly realizing selflessness
• Path, suitable, accomplishment, way of deliverance
• Misconceptions refuted by the four attributes
• No path, wisdom is not a path, worldly paths eliminate afflictions
• Afflictions can regenerate and not completely eliminated
• Seeing that ignorance is behind the afflictions
• Four truths also don’t exist inherently
• Grasping at inherent existence leads to emotional reactions
• Importance of understanding true duhkha

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature 12: Four Attributes of True Paths (download)

Contemplation points

1. The views we hold can really influence how we feel. How can thinking about death and preparing our mind for being separated from those we care about enable us to feel peace in the midst of loss?
2. Consider: How does grasping at things in the way they appear to us (but don’t actually exist) give rise to the afflictions?
3. What eradicates ignorance completely and how can you work towards that?
4. What is the benefit of contemplating the true paths?
5. What motivates you to engage in the path?
6. Why can liberation occur?
7. Reflect:

• Contemplate that true duhkha – everything produced by afflictions and polluted karma – lacks any inherent existence.
• Contemplate that all duhkha as well as the origins of duhkha depend on causes. Because they are dependent and do not exist under their own power, true duhkha and true origins lack independent essence.
• Contemplate the four attributes of true cessation. Abide in the certainty that nirvana- a lasting state of peace and joy – can be attained, and let your mind be imbued with the optimism that brings.
• Contemplate that true paths are also conditioned phenomena that depend on other factors. They too do not exist from their own side and thus are empty of inherent existence.