4 Noble Truths

Definition: Gautama the Buddha taught 4 noble truths that he is supposed to have understood when he was enlightened. These are

1. the nature of duhkha
2. the origination of duhkha (duhkhasamudaya)
3. the cessation of duhkha (nirodha)
4. the path/way leading to the cessation (marga).

Dukha means suffering.

Source: Indian philosophy. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved February 18, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-61575

For more about what the 4 Noble Truths mean, see Buddhism at About.com on the 4 Noble Truths.