Setting in Motion  the Dharma Wheel Talks on the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism by Ven. Master Sheng-yen Preface Chapter One: Setting in Motion the Dharma Wheel Chapter Two: The Nature of Suffering  Chapter Three: The Origin of Suffering Chapter Four: The Cessation of Suffering  This book consists of talks on the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism by the Venerable Chan Master Sheng-yen at the Chan Meditation Center in Elmhurst, New York. These lectures took place on four consecutive Sundays between November 1 and November 22, 1998. Shakyamuni Buddha first expounded the Four Noble Truths to five of his fellow monks nearly 2,500 years ago. It was the first teaching that he presented after his own profound enlightenment. Yet, as guiding principles for the practice of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths are still relevant today because they speak to perennial truths about human existence. It is our sincere hope that Master Sheng-yen's commentary on the Four Noble Truths will provide the reader with a clear understanding of their meaning, as well as the inspiration to integrate the teachings into their own lives.   All Rights Reserved, Dharma Drum Publications, Copyright © 2000