The four noble paths are erudition, absorption, Bodhisattva and Buddhahood. These are states of life that depend on our effort to be manifested. Or rather, it is through our good deeds that we achieve these states of mind. To achieve more of these states requires purpose, willingness and determination on our part, because while in the other six states we are at the mercy of everyday events and the environment in which we live, the other four states are only manifested when we interact with the environment by acting more purposefully.

Thus, the four noble paths elucidate:

7. State of Erudition

The search for knowledge, the exchange of ideas, openness to dialog, the desire to develop, being open to learning, being an apprentice to forerunners are some of the intentions linked to the state of erudition. On the other hand, an excess of this desire can turn into arrogance towards those who are less intellectually capable or a detachment from daily life and a tendency towards individualism.

8. Absorption state

In this state of life, the person has a keen perception of life's events, the use of their intuition becomes more frequent, they observe the world in their own way, learn from the phenomena of nature, have greater self-confidence, gain wisdom through their own observation and understand truths on their own. On the other hand, similar to the state of erudition, the person can become intensely alienated from this purpose and become selfish to the point of being the only one who benefits from their insights.

The states of erudition and absorption are states known as "the two vehicles", because they are channels for the other two elevated states of life (Boddhisattva and Buddhahood), since through them a person creates a certain independence and attains partial truth, however, at this stage their perceptions are only used for the benefit of themselves.

9. Bodhisattva state

The state of Bodhisattva means taking away suffering in order to give happiness through altruistic and benevolent actions, dedicating your life to bringing happiness into the lives of other people without expecting anything in return. This is not to be confused with charity and compassion, as both help to alleviate suffering, but are not intended to succumb to it or bring happiness. From another perspective, the Bodhisattva can forget about loving themselves in favor of bringing happiness to other souls.

10. Buddhahood

 The state of Buddha, on the other hand, is a state of enlightenment in which one can understand the true core of life, deep wisdom of the fundamental truth, perception of authentic reality, a state of full and unconditional happiness. This state is not reached by any negative karma. And one of the ways to achieve this state of life, according to the Buddhism of Nitiren Daishonin, is by reciting the mantra Nam Myoho Rengue Kyo (Fundamental Law of the Universe).

It's important to remember that states are not permanent, so the state of Buddhahood is not an end in itself, in other words, it's not a goal to be reached at the end of life. Daily life is like a rollercoaster, we are constantly going from one state to another, whether we like it or not.

Once again, the ten states of life are conditions inherent to human beings and we are nothing more than souls trapped in a body experiencing human life, which is why we make so many mistakes and feel so many emotions and feelings. We have inexhaustible potential within us for both good and evil, we are students of life and we are here to learn and understand every day of our existence.

However, we are not simply subject only to the ten states, what makes us go from one state to another is the clarification of the principle of mutual possession. This principle teaches that the ten states coexist, in other words, each state of life possesses the other nine latently within it. This is how the states interrelate and show themselves to be dynamic. What occurs is the overt manifestation of one state while the other nine are in an unmanifested condition.

The relevance of this principle lies in the fact that even a person who is going through arduous circumstances has within them the perfect conditions they need to transform the situation and manifest a higher state. Furthermore, the state of Buddhahood allows us to eventually create benefit for everyone around us through our actions in whatever state we are.

By way of example, a woman who has just had a baby is in a heightened state, as she delights in the newborn child who has been part of her for nine months, but at the same time she can be in a state of animality, as she needs to care for and protect her child. Other examples are artists who have suffered from depression and created unparalleled art, people who live in a war zone and still see the beauty in life, or people who have spent many years in prison and served as an inspiration to many others.

These are some extreme examples of how the principle of the ten states of life and the principle of mutual possession work together. Understanding these principles gives us a different perception of daily mishaps, and more than that, we know that there is a way to transform the negative causes made in the past and make more conscious choices for the future. Knowing, above all, that although we are human beings and subject to states of life that we don't like or that keep us deluded, only within us is the tool that leads to absolute happiness, is to say that we are free to choose our best destiny.

"Fate leads those who consent and drags down those who resist." - Seneca

Thank you!

With love,

Cha ❣