The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are fundamental teachings of Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths are:
- The truth of suffering: Suffering exists.
- The truth of the cause of suffering: Desire and ignorance are the root causes of suffering.
- The truth of the end of suffering: Suffering can be overcome and there is a state of peace and happiness called Nirvana.
- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path is the path that leads to the end of suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path is a set of eight practices that lead to the cessation of suffering. The eight practices are grouped into three essential elements of Buddhist practice: moral conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. The eight practices are:
- Right understanding
- Right thought
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration
These practices are not meant to be followed in a strict numerical order, but rather developed simultaneously according to the capacity of each individual. They are all linked together and each helps the cultivation of the others.
