The Four Noble Truths
The four noble truths (Cattāri Ariyasaccāni) are the foundational teachings of Buddhism, articulated by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, after his enlightenment. They outline the nature of dukkha and the path to liberation.
1. Dukkha: The Truth of Suffering
The first noble truth says that existence is full of dukkha.
Dukkha has a deep meaning which includes suffering, impermanence, unpleasantness, regret and dissatisfaction.
It shows that we never really get what we want and even if we get it, we end up losing it one day. Not just the unpleasant things are dukkha, the pleasures lead to dukkha too. Everything that brings us pleasure will give us dukkha when it's gone.
Everyone in this world experiences dukkha, it is an inherit part if existence. Good karma does not free us from the truth of dukkha, it only influences how we experience future dukkha.
If your happiness depends on something transient, then it will inevitably lead to dukkha eventually.
2. Samudaya: The Truth of Cause of Dukkha
The Buddha says that the cause of dukkha is trishna (thirst). The thirst here refers to the fundamental desire or craving for the reality to be different.
We desire or crave or wish for things to be certain way however our desires do not affect the outcome, and every time we are disappointed, leading to dukkha.
Even if we get lucky and get what we wanted, we get attached to it. However, it'll be gone sooner or later, leading to more dukkha.
The more we crave, the more dissatisfied we are, thus getting trapped into the cycle of dukkha.
3. Nirodha: The Truth of Cessation of Dukkha
The Third Noble Truth is Nirodha, which means "cessation" or "ending." It states that suffering (dukkha) can be ended by eliminating its cause—craving (tanha). This truth teaches that liberation from suffering is possible by letting go of attachment and desire.
In simple terms, it means that when we stop clinging to things, we can find peace and happiness. This state of complete freedom from suffering is called Nirvana, a state of inner peace, contentment, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).