Question

Arrange the Four Noble Truths in the correct sequence-
A. There is a cause for suffering
B. There is a way to remove suffering
C. Life is suffering
D. Suffering can be removed (through the eight-fold path)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. A, D, B, C
• C. C, A, B, D
• D. C, B, D, A

Hint:

Start with suffering, then its cause. Only option 3 starts C, A.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the Four Noble Truths.
The Buddha taught four truths in his first sermon at Sarnath. In the usual order they are: there is suffering (dukkha), suffering has a cause (samudaya), suffering can end (nirodha) and there is a path to end it (magga), which is the eight-fold path.

Step 2: Place C.
Statement C, life is suffering, is the first truth. Every correct sequence must begin with C.

Step 3: Place A.
Statement A, there is a cause for suffering, is the second truth, namely craving and attachment. So A follows C.

Step 4: Place B and D.
Statement D (suffering can be removed) and statement B (there is a way to remove it) are the third and fourth truths. In strict textbook order D comes before B. The paper words D as 'through the eight-fold path' and B as 'a way', so the paper seems to treat the path statement as the last step.

Step 5: Check option 1.
Option 1 (A, B, C, D) starts with A, so the first truth is missing from the front. It is wrong.

Step 6: Check option 2.
Option 2 (A, D, B, C) also starts with A and ends with C, which reverses the order. It is wrong.

Step 7: Check option 3.
Option 3 (C, A, B, D) starts with C and has A second. It is the only option with the first two truths in the right place, and it ends with D, the statement that mentions the eight-fold path. It is the best fit.

Step 8: Check option 4.
Option 4 (C, B, D, A) starts well but puts the cause of suffering last, which breaks the order. It is wrong.

Final Answer:
The strict textbook order is C, A, D, B, which is not printed. Among the printed options, option 3 (C, A, B, D) is closest and is taken as the intended answer. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 3: C, A, B, D}} \]