Dukkha. Sometimes when we're doing Compassion and Lovingkindness meditation, we are reflecting on Dukkha to help us develop more unselfish emotions. Other times, when we reflect on Dukkha, it can be more to reflect on the different types of Dukkha that arise in this world due to this body, due to this mind, due to the environment, and the four Great Elements. This is more abstract, getting more insight into the Law of Cause and Effect, especially when we reflect about the elements and all the Dukkha that can arise from the elements. We get some insight into the impermanent and impersonal nature of these types of things, so we're more likely to expect it and not believe that we have power to stop it. So this leaves us more open to accept the instability of the four great elements, and how we're interdependent and interconnected with these things.
When reflecting on the Dukkha that comes externally, we can also reflect on the Dukkha that can arise when we come in contact with this, because this is Cause and Effect also. Kamma, the reaction, and the result of that reaction.
Kamma. We have to start out with experiential understanding of Kamma, moment-to-moment. The reflection needs this basis to then be able to universalize our understanding of Kamma. For example, when we're investigating into the Hindrances, we're investigating into the Law of Kamma right there. When you think this, you get this result. Similarly, with the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, when these are present, what is the result? When the unselfish emotions are present, what is the result? We're investigating into this impersonal Law. This causes this, which then causes this.
We can't just wish for happiness, we have to sow the causes for it. So we're investigating into this Law of Cause and Effect that is happening in our body and mind. This is the basis for then universalizing it. That this happens not only in this body, but also in beings of the past, and beings of the future. The Buddha encourages this kind of universalizing reflection very often, especially in the Five Daily Recollections.
"I am not the only one who is "owner of my Kamma, heir to my Kamma, born of my Kamma, abide supported by my Kamma, and whatever Kamma I shall do of that I shall be the heir, but all beings in the past, in the future, the present, all beings are owners of their Kamma," etc. This is a very common technique the Buddha gave. After we've understood ourselves, to then universalize it by reflecting that this is so in the past, so in the present, so in the future, all beings.
Understanding Kamma. Understanding the impersonal nature of things. We're getting insight into the Law of Cause & Effect. Things arise due to causes. Cause and effect. If we want a certain thing, we have to sow certain causes.
How to reflect on the Third and the Fourth Noble Truth to keep a balance?
The Fourth Noble Truth. In one retreat I was reflecting about the way out of Dukkha, and got deeper insight into how the Noble Eightfold Path is a moment-to-moment practice. That each time we see and recognize wrong view and then make the effort to transform it into Right View, we're back on the Noble Eightfold Path out of Dukkha.
It's not something that we decide to do, then we keep on the path and always on the path. It's moment-to-moment. Sometimes we're on the path, sometimes we're not on the path. Each time we fall into wrong view, we've stepped off. So by the using Right Mindfulness and recognizing the Wrong View, then transforming it to Right View we're back on the Noble Eightfold Path. In this way we do not have to think that it's a long way back to the path out of Dukkha, it is a present moment decision. Moment-to-moment.
Just as we did with the Paramis, we reflect on "What is the Noble Eightfold Path?" If we want to go somewhere, we usually consult a map. Then we know where to go, we know the directions. As we go there, with just the map to consult, we start to understand it experientially, "Ah, so this is what that meant." It may seem confusing on the map, but once we've experienced it, it's less confusing. So, learn how to reflect on it, learn what it means and then apply it to your practice so you understand more deeply what it means.