The Four Noble Truths
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the rest of your behaviour remains the same. Whether or not you are physically in a church or a cathedral, I think the teaching of your own religion must be in your heart. That’s very important. Only then will you have an experience of it that is of real value, otherwise it is simply a piece of knowledge in your head and when you are faced with problems in life it won’t be of any help. Once the teaching is part of your life, whenever you have a real problem it gives you inner strength. Also, when you grow old, or have an incurable illness, and when death finally comes, then your practice truly gives you some kind of inner guarantee. After all, death is part of life; there is nothing strange about it; sooner or later we all have to pass through that gate. At that time, whether or not there is a life after, it is very valuable to have peace of mind. How can we achieve peace of mind at such a moment? It is possible only if we have some experience in ourselves that will provide inner strength, because no one else can provide this for us - no deities, no gurus, and no friends. This is why the Buddha says you must be your own master.