Theodicy Soteriology, Hermeneutics

SOTERIOLOGY : M. M. NINAN
SIN , SUFFERING AND SALVATION
IN
BUDDHISM
Budhism began as an existential philosophy within the context of Vedism.. There is no concept of God within the
system. The reality of the existence of matter, cosmos and consciousness iare the only
present known fact. That alone is taken into account. As such there is no concept of sin in
terms of God. Sin is that which causes suffering for man. Buddha formulated the Noble
Eightfold Path to Nirvana where there will be neither joy nor sorrow. Here is the summary of
his teachings:
THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
1. RIGHT VIEW or RIGHT UNDERSTANDING.
This means knowing the Four Noble Truths .The First Noble Truth is the knowledge that ALL
that has been CREATED is IMPERMANENT. And whatever is impermanent is inherently ILL.
And what is impermanent and ill is SELFLESS.
Two is the knowledge that the arising of ill is based on ignorance and it is perpetuated by the
craving and intoxication for sensuality and sensations, becoming and rebecoming, delusion
and ignorance.
Three is the knowledge that the CEASING of this ill that has arisen, the stopping of all future
becomings, is Nirvana. True Reality realized, freed of this ill.
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