Charlie & Blue learn about enlightenment

TrueTube.co.uk/film...; Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Miss Srivati from the London Buddhist Centre explains Buddhism to Charlie & Blue.

Charlie's a ginger girl in London, England, and Blue is her favorite soft toy (and best friend). He's says, "Zippity-zip, let's go on a trip!" as they embark on a visit to the London Buddhist Centre (lbc.org.uk) to learn what it means to become "enlightened," and how and why Buddhists seek to live more peaceful and liberated lives.

What's "enlightened" mean, Charlie?

There the nice Buddhist lady "Srivati" explains how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, the "Enlightened One," when he rediscovered the Four Noble Truths:

1. Things are disappointing.
2. There's a cause.
3. There's an end to disappointment (nirvana).
4. There's a way to bring about the end of disappointment.

This fourth truth is the Noble Eightfold Path to freedom. It involves meditating to calm the mind and develop wisdom. When develop greed, selfishness, anger, and ignorance, we suffer. The way to peace and the end of suffering is to cultivate letting go, being radically unselfish, compassionate, and wise.

The Four Noble Truths simplified for children and plush toys (London Buddhist Centre)