The Four Noble Truths

First Noble Truth
This affirms that life is experienced as dukkha which means endless physical and mental suffering as well as the impermanence of all phenomena. The existence of Dukkha does not mean that there is no happiness in life but that these pleasant moments are temporary and always based on fleeting external factors.

Second Noble Truth
The Second Noble Truth states that dukkha is caused by our ignorance of reality, attachment to our ideas, our ego, desires, pleasures, wealth and power (possessiveness) and aversion to suffering.

Third Noble Truth
The Third Noble Truth states that there is a cure for dukkha; by letting go of our views of a separate self and attachment to impermanent things, and by entrusting ourselves to our inner sacred nature, we experience life for what it really is. This awakening is called Nirvana.

Fourth Noble Truth
This is the Eightfold Path which quenches the flames of dukkha. The Eightfold Path does not take us from one place to another but aids us in seeing our true nature and thus frees us from bondage. The Path is based on the proper view of things, moral conduct and mental discipline.