Early Buddhism - Words of the Buddha

"These four things, bhikkhus, are true, unerring, and not otherwise.

What four?

'This is suffering,' bhikkhus, this is true, this is unerring, this is not otherwise;
'This is the origin of suffering,' this is true, this is unerring, this is not otherwise;
'This is the cessation of suffering,' this is true, this is unerring, this is not otherwise;
'This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering,'
this is true, this is unerring, this is not otherwise.

These, bhikkhus, are the four truths that are true, unerring, and not otherwise.

Therefore, bhikkhus, an effort should be made to understand: 'This is suffering.'
An effort should be made to understand: 'This is the origin of suffering.'
An effort should be made to understand: 'This is the cessation of suffering.'
And an effort should be made to understand: 'This is the path leading to the cessation of suffering.'"

The Four Noble Truths encapsulate the essence of the Buddha's teachings and are outlined as follows:

1. The Noble Truth of Suffering (dukkha): This truth identifies that life inherently involves suffering, discontentment, and stress. The Five Aggregates (what defines a "living being")—namely form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, and consciousness are subject to clinging/grasping/holding on/attachment. These aggregates, which constitute what an ordinary person perceives as a 'self,' are impermanent and subject to change. The misunderstanding and attachment to these aggregates as stable and permanent leads to suffering.

2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering: The root cause of suffering is identified as craving or desire, which manifests in various forms such as craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, or craving for non-existence. This craving leads to a cycle of rebirth, continuing the sequence of suffering.

3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering: It is the remainderless fading away and cessation of this craving that . This truth points towards the potential for extinguishing suffering by letting go of the desires that cause it.

4. The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering: The path to cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of practices in ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. It is a gradual path of development that leads to the realization of Nibbāna, the ultimate freedom from suffering.

These truths are not merely philosophical concepts but are meant to be verified personally through practice and insight. They serve as a comprehensive framework for understanding the human condition and a guide to achieving spiritual liberation.

Read A handful of leaves 🍃 - Essential Teachings of the Buddha to Understanding The Four Noble Truths for a comprehensive understanding of the four noble truths.