What are the Four Noble Truths?

All of the Buddha’s teachings are encompassed within what are called the Four Noble Truths, in the same way, he explained, as the footprints of all the animals in the jungle fit into the footprint of the elephant. These Truths reveal the fundamental problem of our existence and its resolution.

1.      There is dukkha

Dukkha is generally translated as “suffering”, but in fact has a far more profound meaning than is implied by that word. Dukkha refers to the chronic unsatisfactoriness of unenlightened existence. It covers the whole spectrum of experience, from severe physical and emotional pain to the subtlest sense of unease and lack.

2. There is a cause of dukkha Dukkha is not our unalterable human predicament. It is dependent upon certain causes and conditions, in particular upon the cravings that arise through a fundamental misperception of our human nature.

3. There is a cessation of dukkha There is a complete ending of dukkha, a state of liberation and true happiness.

4. There is a path leading to the cessation of dukkha Dukkha is comprehended, its causes abandoned and its cessation realized through cultivation of the Noble Eightfold Path. This path involves an education or training of every aspect of our lives, inner and outer. The eight factors are as follows

1. Right View

2. Right Intention

3. Right Speech

4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

6. Right Effort

7. Right Mindfulness

8. Right Concentration