1. Dukkha (දුක්ඛ) — Truth of Suffering
Life is marked by suffering: birth, aging, illness, death, separation, and unfulfilled desires.
The Four Noble Truths
2. Samudaya (සමුදය) — Truth of Origin
Suffering arises from craving (taṇhā), clinging, and ignorance, fueling the cycle of saṃsāra.
3. Nirodha (නිරෝධ) — Truth of Cessation
Suffering can end by extinguishing craving and ignorance, leading to Nibbāna.
4. Magga (මග්ග) — Truth of the Path
The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to liberation: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Significance
The Four Noble Truths are the Buddha’s first teaching, forming the essence of Dharma. They provide a practical framework: diagnose suffering, identify its cause, realize its cessation, and follow the path to liberation.
Sources and Further Reading
- Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) — Access to Insight
- Four Noble Truths — Encyclopedia of Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths are not abstract philosophy but practical guidance for ending suffering.