The Four Noble Truths

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The Four Noble Truths are the central teaching of the Dhammacakka Sutta, the first discourse of the Buddha upon his attainment of enlightenment. In the Pali canon, the Dhammacakka Sutta is contained within the Samyutta Nikaya text. This discourse is known as the Pali Sutra, the Dharmapadha, and variously translates in English as the Wheel of Dharma Discourse.

The Truths, as delineated by the Buddha in this discourse are:

1. The Noble Truth of Suffering; suffering (dukkha) involves birth, aging, illness, death, being with what is displeasing, being separated from what is pleasing, not getting what one wants, and the five aggregates of clinging (pancupādānakkhandhā).
2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering; the origin of suffering (dukkhasamudayo) is craving (tanhā) or deisre rooted in sensual pleasures, existence, and extermination.
3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering; the end of suffering (dukkhanirodho) is attainable, and is achieved through the relinquishment of and freedom from craving, clinging, and desire.
4. The Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering; the means to the end of suffering is The Eightfold Path.