The four noble truths are:

• 1. There is suffering.
• 2. There is cause for suffering.
• 3. There is cessation of suffering.
• 4. There is path leading to the cessation of suffering.

One does not have to read the Tipitaka from beginning to end to understand the four noble truths. Each chapter is a sutra (synopsis), which Buddha would have used to explain the same four noble truths to his audiences under different circumstances.

Attainment of enlightenment:

Aim: To attain final liberation called Nibbana.

Instruments: Mind and Body (Nama-rupa).

Procedure: Follow the Noble eight-fold path i.e.

• 1. Right View- To understand wholesome deeds, unwholesome deeds and comprehend the law of Karma.
• 2. Right Intention- The intention of non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion.
• 3. Right Speech- Abstaining from false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech and idle chatter.
• 4. Right Action- Abstaining from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.
• 5. Right Livelihood- Abstaining from wrong and corrupt means of livelihood.
• 6. Right Effort- Awakening zeal for abandoning of unwholesome states and arising & sustaining of wholesome states.
• 7. Right Mindfulness- The four foundations of mindfulness (Satipattana) namely contemplation on body, contemplation on feelings, contemplation on mind and contemplation on mind-objects.
• 8. Right Concentration- Abandoning of five hindrances namely lust, ill-will sloth-torpor, worry-agitation and doubt through Jhanas.

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