The 4 Noble Truths lead us to understand the purposes of the Eightfold Path and the Precepts of Buddhism. Many religions explore the nature of evil and pain and usually pin it on a god within their ideologies but Buddhism acknowledges that the source of evil and pain is within each of us. The teachings of the 4 Noble Truths are these:
1. Because everything in this world isn’t permanent suffering becomes synonymous with life. Life means suffering.
2. Seeing that nothing is permanent, attachment becomes the other source of suffering. The passions and drives associated with the “self” lead to attachment. Attachment is the origin of suffering.
3. To end suffering one must detach himself/herself from passions and attachments. The end goal of this truth is to reach Nirvana.
4. This truth shows that there is a path to reaching a state of Nirvana. That path is exemplified in the Eightfold Path and the Precepts of Buddhism. This path tends to follow a neutral area between self gratification and self deprivation.
The Eightfold Path shows us how to understand the truths and implement them into our lives properly through wisdom, good conduct and honing our mental capacities. One of the strongest points for Buddhism and the four truths is that it takes the human condition which most religions seek to give up to a god and putting it in our own hands.