Here is a list of key lessons taught by Buddha that you should know about.

Four noble truths

The four noble truths are a fundamental part of Buddha’s teachings and are
intended to be a guide for how to live a fulfilling life. The four truths include:

 Truth of suffering
 Truth of the origin of suffering
 Truth of cessation, and
 Truth of the path

The first truth accepts that pain will always be a part of life. The second truth is
that to be free of suffering, we must learn to let go of our attachments and wants.
The third fact reassures us that we may end suffering, and the fourth truth offers
a path to do so by following the eightfold path. By following these teachings, it is
believed that one can achieve enlightenment and ultimately reach nirvana.

The eightfold path

Buddhists pursue the eightfold path of Buddha’s teachings to develop moral
behavior, knowledge and mental discipline. It consists of proper understanding,
purpose, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration.
Buddhists seek to escape the circle of suffering and achieve inner tranquility and
enlightenment through the eightfold path. The journey is difficult and calls for
commitment, control and introspection, but the benefits are priceless.

The Theravada tradition emphasizes the eightfold path that includes:

 Right view
 Right resolve
 Right speech
 Right action
 Right livelihood
 Right effort
 Right mindfulness, and
 Right concentration

The eightfold path helps individuals understand the four noble truths of Buddha’s
teachings and the three categories that encompass these principles (ethics,
meditation, and wisdom), which can be applied in daily decision-making
processes to move towards enlightenment and away from suffering. The path
emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, mental discipline and wisdom in
achieving liberation from suffering and attaining enlightenment.

The middle way

The middle way is a fundamental concept among Buddha’s teachings that
advocates for a balanced approach to life, encouraging practitioners to find a
middle ground between self-indulgence and self-mortification. It teaches people
to avoid becoming attached to worldly pleasures while minimizing suffering.

This path involves cultivating mindfulness and awareness, finding a balance

between positive and negative emotions, and developing equanimity and inner
peace. The noble eightfold path, which consists of eight interconnected
guidelines, is one way to follow the middle way. By practicing this path, one can
cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling life, both for themselves and for those
around them.

Impermanence
The concept of impermanence is a fundamental aspect of Buddhism, which
teaches that everything in the world, including our bodies, relationships and
material possessions, is susceptible to perish or at the very least change
continually. One can discover freedom and inner peace by accepting the natural
cycle of life and letting go of their attachments by realizing impermanence.
Buddha placed a strong emphasis on non-attachment, which means that one
should develop a feeling of detachment from their wants and possessions to
acknowledge that they are not the source of genuine pleasure. Over the years,
these ideas from Buddha’s teachings have struck a chord with people, and many
have discovered that by accepting impermanence and letting go of attachments,
they may find more happiness and fulfillment in life.

Compassion
Compassion is an essential lesson among Buddha’s teachings that encourages
practitioners to seek to alleviate the suffering of others, cultivating empathy and
kindness towards all beings, not just those closest to them. This can have a
profound impact on their well-being as it allows them to connect with others in a
deep and meaningful way. The concept of karma is often linked to the practice of
compassion, suggesting that people’s compassionate actions can create positive
karmic energy that benefits both themselves and others.

Practicing compassion can help people deal with difficult emotions and contribute
to a more compassionate and caring world where suffering is reduced and
happiness is increased. Engaging in acts of kindness and compassion not only
benefits others but also brings joy and fulfillment to their own lives, leading to
personal growth and development.

Meditation
Meditation is an important practice among Buddha’s teachings for cultivating
empathy and compassion towards all beings, including practitioners themselves.
Taking action to alleviate the suffering of others is also a key to deepening
people’s connection with the world around us and giving us a greater sense of
purpose and meaning. Regular meditation can help people become more
mindful, peaceful and kind, enabling them to respond to challenging situations
with equanimity and wisdom.

Interconnectedness
Finally, Buddha taught the concept of interconnectedness or interdependence,
which states that all things in the universe are connected and interdependent but
are part of a larger picture. This understanding can cultivate a sense of
responsibility towards others and the environment, leading to greater harmony
and balance in the world, leading to more conscious choices that align with their
values and contribute to the greater good.

When one understands interconnectedness, one becomes more mindful of their

actions and how they affect those around them, leading to a greater sense of
empathy, compassion and kindness towards others. This understanding of
Buddha’s teachings can also lead to a greater sense of harmony and balance in
the world, where individuals and communities work together for the greater good.