According to Siddhartha Gautama (the original
Buddha), these four
truths, once realized, will lead one to
enlightenment.
- Suffering exists.
- Suffering is caused by attachment to craving and desire.
- Suffering ceases when its cause (see #2) ceases.
- Freedom from suffering is possible by detaching oneself from craving and desire.
The
Buddha-recommended method of performing this incredible feat of will (#4) was to follow the
Eightfold Noble Path.