Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths (Sanskrit: catvāri āryasatyāni; Pali: cattāri ariyasaccāni) are one of the central teachings of the Buddhist tradition. The teachings on the four noble truths explain the nature of dukkha (Pali; commonly translated as "suffering", "anxiety", "stress", "dissatisfaction"), its causes, and how it can be overcome.

According to the Buddhist tradition, the Buddha first taught the four noble truths in the very first teaching he gave after he attained enlightenment, as recorded in the discourse Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Dharma (Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra), and he further clarified their meaning in many subsequent teachings.

Read more about Four Noble Truths:  Introduction, Within The Buddha's First Discourse, Translation of Pali Terms, Developments in Mahayana Buddhism, Contemporary Interpretations

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