The four great truths of Buddhism . The first says that all existence is afflicted with suffering. The second truth identifies desire, thirst, or craving as the source of suffering, that binds beings to the cycle of existence (samsara ). The third truth asserts that through the elimination of craving, suffering can be brought to an end. The fourth truth identifies the eightfold path as the means to eliminate suffering and escape from samsara .
Philosophy dictionary. Academic. 2011.