The four noble truths are the first teachings that the Buddha delivered in Deer Park, Sarnath, India, when his former companions asked him to teach. Because of their request—often referred to as the request to turn the wheel of the dharma—the Buddha gave this essential first teaching.

The first noble truth states that dukkha exists, meaning everything we encounter carries this quality of unsatisfactoriness. When we acknowledge this truth within ourselves, we cultivate renunciation, an attitude of relinquishing the hope that the experiences of this world will ever truly satisfy us.

The second noble truth is that dukkha is caused by our misperception of all phenomena as solid, unchanging, and real, which leads us to continuously react to people, things, and experiences with craving, aggression, and ignorance (kleshas). Through meditation, we can observe how our craving and aversion create confusion.

The third noble truth is that dukkha can end, and we can experience freedom from suffering. Our suffering is like clouds temporarily obscuring the sun—while the clouds are temporary, our essential nature, like the sun, remains radiant and clear.

The fourth noble truth is that the trusted eightfold path leads to the end of dukkha. The path sets forth wise practices to help us shape our lives by relating to 1) view, 2) resolve, 3) speech, 4) action, 5) livelihood, 6) effort, 7) mindfulness, and 8) concentration.

The teachings of the four noble truths address and answer our basic questions as human beings. 1) What happens to us? We experience profound dissatisfaction. 2) Why does this dissatisfaction arise? Because our views and mental habits have been shaped by misunderstanding the nature of phenomena, which creates a self-perpetuating cycle of suffering. 3) For what do we engage with these truths? To release ourselves from this dissatisfaction. 4) How do we do it? By following the defined methodology of Buddha’s eightfold path.

When we begin to see for ourselves how all beings generate their own suffering, we may wish to help ease this pain for ourselves and for others. We may offer support to others, knowing that ultimately, we must each find our own liberation.

Reflect on various experiences of suffering and consider how each of the four noble truths relates to them.

• What kinds of thoughts or experiences attract or repulse you?
• Do the objects of your attraction and aversion change over time?
• Can you be free from afflictive emotions, even briefly?
• Do you know anyone free from suffering?

Analyze each of the four noble truths by connecting traditional teachings with personal contemplative insights; evaluate how understanding dukkha—its causes, cessation, and the path—is relevant to working with contemporary psychological and social challenges; and evaluate how contemplating these truths can help develop renunciation, compassion, confidence, and commitment to the eightfold path.