The Four Noble Truths

A millennial path to understanding and inner peace

What map are you using to guide your life and your actions?

A bit of history

More than 2,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama—who would later be known as the Buddha—attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. In that moment of profound clarity, he understood the nature of human suffering and how to be free from it. His first post-enlightenment speech was in Sarnath, India, where he presented what is known as The Four Noble Truths, the basis of all Buddhist philosophy.

Today, many people who practice yoga find in these truths a profound guide to navigate life's challenges with more awareness and compassion.

The Four Noble Truths

1. The Truth of Suffering – Dukkha

Life, in its essence, includes suffering: loss, frustration, illness, aging, etc. It is not a matter of being pessimistic, but of recognizing that suffering is a natural part of existence.

Today: We can feel dissatisfied even with a "full" life. This emotional discomfort is also suffering.

2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering – Samudaya

Suffering arises from desire, attachment and wanting things to be different from the way they are. Also of clinging to ideas, people or results.

Today: We cling to youth, to relationships that no longer nurture us, or to the idea of "we should have accomplished more."

3. The Truth of the End of Suffering – Nirodha

It is possible to be free from suffering. When we let go of attachment and learn to accept with equanimity, peace becomes possible.

Today: By practicing acceptance, gratitude, and presence, we begin to feel lighter, freer.

4. The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering – Magga

The Buddha proposed the Eightfold Path, a practical way of living with wisdom, ethics, and mindfulness. It's not a belief, it's a practice.

Today: Meditate, act with awareness, watch our words, nourish our minds: it's all part of the journey.

Everyday scenario: The change that is difficult to accept

Ana, 52, feels that her life has lost direction. Her children no longer need her as much, her body has changed, and her work does not motivate her. You feel sadness, guilt for feeling this way, and a need to "take back control."

Upon learning the Four Noble Truths, Ana begins to observe her discomfort (1), recognizes that it comes from the desire for everything to remain the same or "as before" (2), understands that accepting this stage can bring her peace (3), and begins to practice yoga, meditation, and self-listening as part of the path (4).

Why does it matter to understand these truths?

Because they give us back power. Knowing that suffering is not a punishment or something personal, but part of life, helps us to stop resisting it. Understanding its cause gives us clarity, and knowing that it can cease inspires us with hope. The path, although not always easy, is profoundly liberating.

These truths are like a map for those who, like you, want to know themselves more deeply, live with more presence, and find calm even in the midst of change.