The Four Noble Truths are a fundamental teaching of the Buddha. They were realized by the Buddha at the time of his awakening and are described in the sources as follows:
The Noble Truth of Suffering (dukkha)
I
This is the truth of the existence of suffering, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. The term dukkha is variously translated as suffering, distress, dissatisfaction, discomfort, or stress. It encompasses everything from the slightest sense that something is wrong to the most intense mental or physical anguish.
The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering
II
It is the relentless craving (taṇhā) that drives the cycle of becoming, fueled by passion and desire seeking satisfaction in various things. It manifests as longing for sensory pleasures, the desire to exist, and the desire for annihilation. The cause of suffering is attachment (lobha) and aversion (dosa) arising from lack. Craving is linked to ignorance (moha), which is considered the greatest defilement.
The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
III
Texts define this truth as the “complete cessation and ending of all cravings, their fading away, abandonment, liberation, and leaving behind.” The texts explain that the cessation of suffering is the cessation of craving, which is to be realized. By letting go of greed, hatred, and delusion, one becomes free from suffering.
The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering
IV
“Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration—these constitute the Noble Truth of the Path leading to the cessation of suffering.”
The Four Noble Truths fully integrate understanding and practice.
In their most concise form, they appear as four empirical statements subject to verification. It is no coincidence that they are called “truths” (sacca). The formulation of the Four Noble Truths is often compared to a medical diagnosis:
Suffering is the symptom. The cause of suffering is the diagnosis. The cessation of suffering is the prognosis. The Path is the treatment.
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