- The truth of suffering (dukkha)
- The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
- The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
- The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
The truth of suffering (dukkha)
Many translations say this means that “life is suffering” of “Life is full of suffering” . the Pali work dukkha is refering to the temporary aspect of life in that it will end. My favorite translation of this truth is “You can’t always get what you want”.
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
This truth explains that our concept of suffering comes from our never being satisfied with things as they are and desiring more. In basic terms we want a better life, house, car, relationship, job etc,.
The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
Through dilligent practice and taking active control of ourselves, our minds and our actions we can escape the treadmill of life and face it on our own terms.
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
The path out of suffering requires work on our part and there are many things we can do. This truth points to the tools that follow in our challenge of overcoming self
In modern western terms here are the broad strokes:
Life can really suck sometimes
Life sucks because you want stuff you can’t have
Life doesn’t have to suck if you just get over yourself
There are tools available and ways to get over yourself.