Four Noble Truths

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In Buddhism, the central teaching of the Buddha, comprising of four basic concepts. Firstly, there is the reality of suffering (Pali dukkha). In the Four Noble Truths, dukkha also carries the meaning of impermanence and imperfection. Secondly, suffering is caused. Human attachments, cravings, and desires lead to the suffering described in the first Noble Truth. Such a desire or thirst for things can be understood by the concept of tanha (in Sanskrit, samudaya or trishna). Thirdly, suffering can be ended. Suffering can be extinguished by breaking our attachment to desires and this is known by the Sanskrit term nirodha. Fourthly, there is the path to the ending of suffering. The Buddha taught that the way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path – magga – eight ways to regulate and discipline behaviour. It is through following this path that desires will be extinguished and nirvana will be achieved.

The small stars stand for the original provinces of Congo at independence in 1960. The single gold star was said to represent the light of civilization. Effective date: 17 May 1997. >>