Four Noble Truths

The Four Truths, also commonly known as ‘The Four Noble Truths’ explain the basic orientation of
Buddhism. They are the truths understood by the ‘worthy ones,’ those who have attained
enlightenment or nirvana. They are accepted by all schools of Buddhism and have been the subject of
extensive commentary. They may be summarized as follows.

1. Life is filled with suffering (Pali: dukkha; Sanskrit: duhkha)

2. The root of this suffering comes from a person’s material desires (to want what

3. In order to stop suffering, you must get rid of desire or greed (Pali and Sanskrit: nirodha), commonly
called nibbana (Sanskrit: nirvana)

4. If you follow the Eight-Fold Path then you can eliminate your material desires, and therefore, your
suffering (Pali: magga; Sanskrit: marga)

Mastery of these four truths and adherence to the path would lead to a person breaking the bond that
binds him or her to life and obtaining release from the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, or samsara.