Buddhist Scrolls

Four Noble Truths

The foundational teaching of Buddhism — understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

📜 From SN 56.11 — Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ↓
“It’s the fading away and cessation of that very same craving with nothing left over; giving it away, letting it go, releasing it, and not clinging to it.”
SN 56.11 · read it in the sutta

First Noble Truth

Dukkha — The Truth of Suffering

Life contains suffering, dissatisfaction, and impermanence. Birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from what we love, and not getting what we want are all forms of dukkha.

Examples

  • Physical pain and illness
  • Emotional distress and anxiety
  • Impermanence of pleasant experiences
  • Frustration when desires aren't met

Second Noble Truth

Samudaya — The Truth of the Cause of Suffering

Suffering arises from craving (tanha) and attachment. We suffer because we constantly want things to be different than they are.

Examples

  • Craving for sensual pleasures
  • Craving for existence and becoming
  • Craving for non-existence
  • Attachment to views and opinions

Third Noble Truth

Nirodha — The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering

It is possible to end suffering by letting go of craving and attachment. This state of peace is called Nirvana.

Examples

  • Moments of deep contentment
  • Peace when accepting 'what is'
  • Freedom from compulsive wanting
  • Liberation from mental reactivity

Fourth Noble Truth

Magga — The Truth of the Path to End Suffering

The Eightfold Path provides a practical way to end suffering through ethical conduct, mental cultivation, and wisdom.

Examples

  • Right Understanding & Intention
  • Right Speech, Action & Livelihood
  • Right Effort, Mindfulness & Concentration
  • Gradual development of wisdom

💡 Practical Application

When experiencing difficulty, ask yourself:

  1. 1What suffering am I experiencing? (First Truth)
  2. 2What am I craving or resisting? (Second Truth)
  3. 3Can I let go of this wanting? (Third Truth)
  4. 4How can mindfulness help here? (Fourth Truth)

📜 The source of this teaching

This page is grounded in one of the Buddha’s discourses. Read it in full, in Bhikkhu Sujato’s translation.

SN 56.11 — Dhammacakkappavattana SuttaSetting the Wheel of Dhamma in MotionRead the sutta →