Gratification, danger, escape: talk

The triad of gratification, danger, and escape is one of the
Buddha’s most concise and simple teachings for investigating
everyday lived experience. This formula can be applied to every
single aspect of our experience. Many Buddhist scholars point out
that this teaching contains the earliest roots of what we have
come to know as the four noble truths, the basic framework for
all Buddhist traditions.
What is interesting about this simple teaching is that the Buddha
came to this realization before his awakening. He discusses this
triad on four separate occasions, relating them to the
aggregates, feelings (vedana), the four elements and the six
sense doors. 
The sheer simplicity of this teaching provides a framework for
understanding human experience, particularly for those of us
living in the digital complexity of the modern world. 


This is not a realization given from high diction, or a pedestal
of great wisdom and knowledge. Nor does it seek to bewilder us
with metaphysics such as teachings on non-self, emptiness,
rebirth and karma. Instead, it is easily understood and readily
available to any of us, at any point in our process.