What are the Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha?

The Four Noble Truths are a foundational doctrine of Buddhism, first articulated by the Buddha in his initial sermon following his enlightenment. While often translated as "noble truths," the term more accurately refers to "four truths for the spiritually noble," representing facts understood by those with deep insight into reality.1

The four truths are:

• The Truth of Suffering (dukkha): Existence is characterized by "uneasiness" or "dissatisfaction," including experiences like birth, aging, sickness, death, and the inability to attain desires.21
• The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (samudaya): The cause of suffering is craving (tanha), which leads to attachment and perpetuates the cycle of rebirth (samsara).21
• The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (nirodha): Suffering can be eliminated, leading to nirvana, a state beyond linguistic description.21
• The Truth of the Path (magga): The method to end suffering is the Eightfold Path, which includes right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.21