Question

On the basis of the statements given below, which valid assumption(s) can be made ?
Statements :
Life has suffering
Desire is the cause of suffering
The end of desire is the end of suffering
Desire can be reduced by following the noble eightfold path
Assumptions :
1. Suffering is because of wants
2. Life is not always full of suffering
3. The eightfold path can reduce suffering
4. Suffering is caused by life

• A. Only 1, 3 and 4
• B. Only 1, 2 and 3
• C. Only 1 and 4
• D. Only 2 and 3

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To solve the problem, we must analyze the statements and compare them with the assumptions to determine which assumptions can logically be drawn from the statements.

Statements Analysis:
1. "Life has suffering" implies that life includes suffering, but it doesn't suggest that life is entirely suffering.
2. "Desire is the cause of suffering" clearly indicates that wants (desires) lead to suffering.
3. "The end of desire is the end of suffering" suggests that eliminating desire would eliminate suffering.
4. "Desire can be reduced by following the noble eightfold path" states that this path is a means to diminish desire and, consequently, suffering.

Assumptions Evaluation:
1. "Suffering is because of wants": This is valid as per statement 2, where desire (wants) is mentioned as the cause of suffering.
2. "Life is not always full of suffering": This is a reasonable assumption since statement 1 only states that life has suffering, which doesn't necessarily mean life is entirely filled with it.
3. "The eightfold path can reduce suffering": Valid, because statement 4 suggests that reducing desire through the eightfold path will reduce suffering.
4. "Suffering is caused by life": Invalid, as the statements specifically link suffering to desire, not directly to life itself.

Based on this analysis, the valid assumptions are 1, 2, and 3. Thus, the correct answer is: Only 1, 2 and 3.