The First Noble Truth is not a pleasant thing to contemplate, but it's necessary for understanding the nature of existence. There is suffering and dissatisfaction inherent in life: I, and the things I love, are inescapably of the nature to fall ill, grow old, and die. But without acknowledging this fundamental truth, there's no opportunity to drill down and address it. Beautiful lotus flowers bloom from the mud.

With the Second Noble Truth, we have to ask from where suffering arises. Ultimately, it stems from our desires and attachments. Clinging and craving. What a heavy burden, but what a relief! If suffering is a mental phenomena, and we know the mind can be trained and altered, then the potential for the end of suffering is already in sight. Maybe I spend too much time being afraid of the reality of this truth: attachment, clinging, craving sometimes feel like they dictate so much of my life.

The Third Noble Truth is a beacon of hope. It is that suffering can be ended. Something better is possible! The logic is sound: if suffering is caused by a negative relationship to attachment, then it can also be transcended. If you don't crave, you won't suffer. This Noble Truth is brimming with promise and relief that such a thing is possible.

The Fourth Noble Truth is the practical application and acceptance of the previous three. It outlines the steps to achieve the cessation of suffering. We can awaken and walk free from suffering, just as the Buddhas do. Like a physician presents medicine, we have been offered a cure to our suffering. That cure is the Noble Eightfold Path.