Shanghai view, in the park

The Four Noble Truths abbreviated in Pali

1. Dukkha (suffering)
2. Samudaya (suffering has a cause)
3. Nirodha (suffering can be ceased)
4. Magga (the way is The Noble Eightfold Middle Path)

Buddhism is sometimes confused as a pessimistic religion since it refers to the suffering in life. But this view fails to look at the entirety of The Four Noble Truths. It is not that all life is suffering, but rather that all unenlightened life is suffering. There can be suffering, but there is also a way out of the suffering and that is why there are four noble truths, not one.

The central teachings of the Buddha are called the Four Noble Truths. The first of these truths is that ordinary existence is suffering. The second is that suffering is caused by ignorance and craving. The third is that suffering can be transcended. And the fourth Noble Truth is the way and means to transcend suffering, which is The Noble Eightfold Middle Path.

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