The Four Noble Truths form the heart of Buddhist teaching. The Buddha explained them in his first sermon after his enlightenment, at the Deer Park in Sarnath, to his original five followers. They are often described as the Buddha's diagnosis and cure for the problem of human suffering.

1. Dukkha (Suffering)

The first truth is that life involves dukkha - suffering or unsatisfactoriness. This is not just physical pain; it includes ageing, illness, loss, disappointment, and the dissatisfaction we feel even when things are going well.

2. Samudaya (Cause)

The second truth identifies tanha (craving) as the cause of suffering. We grasp at pleasures that cannot last and try to push away things we do not like. This grasping ties us to the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

3. Nirodha (End)

The third truth says suffering can be ended. If we let go of craving, we can reach nirvana - a state of peace beyond suffering.

4. Magga (Path)

The fourth truth gives the cure: the Noble Eightfold Path - eight practices grouped into wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental training. It is also known as the middle way.

Buddhists compare the Four Truths to a doctor identifying an illness, finding its cause, and prescribing a treatment.

Y9 Buddhism

The Four Noble Truths