• Mark Siderits

Contents.Introduction The Buddha expressed his philosophy when he said: ' I teach only two things, O disciples, the nature of suffering and the cessation of suffering.' The Buddha taught the famous 'Four Noble Truths' and 'Eightfold Path,' which allows people to achieve enlightenment. Enlightenment (nirvana, awakening, realization, satori) is the cessation of suffering, freedom from conditioned existence ( samsara). The Buddha taught that every action has a consequence; things are because of previous conditions. If one practices the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, then one will no longer be subject to the cycle of existence samsara.'

Mark Siderits

My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience.My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship.My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river.Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation.'

Journal of Buddhist Philosophy, Volume 1, 2015, pp. 224-234 (Article). Published by State University of New York Press. DOI: For additional information about. NIETZSCHE AND BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY. Nietzsche once proclaimed himself the “Buddha of Europe,” and throughout his life Buddhism held enormous interest for him.