These teachings form the core framework of Buddhist philosophy and practice, guiding ethical behavior, mental discipline, and wisdom—ultimately leading to liberation from suffering.

1. The Four Seals of Dharma

These distinguish a teaching as truly Buddhist:

  1. All compounded things are impermanent.
  2. All emotions (or conditioned experiences) are unsatisfactory.
  3. All phenomena are empty and selfless.
  4. Nirvana is true peace.

2. The Four Noble Truths

The foundation of the Buddha’s first teaching:

  1. There is suffering (dukkha).
  2. There is a cause of suffering (craving, ignorance).
  3. There is an end to suffering (nirvana).
  4. There is a path to the end of suffering (the Eightfold Path).

3. The Noble Eightfold Path

The practical steps toward liberation:

  • Wisdom (Prajña):
    1. Right View
    2. Right Intention
  • Ethical Conduct (Śīla):
     3. Right Speech
    4. Right Action
    5. Right Livelihood
  • Mental Discipline (Samādhi):
     6. Right Effort
    7. Right Mindfulness
    8. Right Concentration

4. The Three Refuges (or Jewels)

Where Buddhists place their trust:

  1. The Buddha – the awakened teacher
  2. The Dharma – the teachings and truth
  3. The Sangha – the community of practitioners

5. The Three Marks of Existence

A lens for understanding life:

  1. Impermanence (anicca)
  2. Suffering (dukkha)
  3. Non-self (anattā)

6. The Five Precepts (for lay practitioners)

Basic ethical guidelines:

  1. Do not kill
  2. Do not steal
  3. Do not engage in sexual misconduct
  4. Do not lie
  5. Do not use intoxicants

These teachings form the core framework of Buddhist philosophy and practice, guiding ethical behavior, mental discipline, and wisdom—ultimately leading to liberation from suffering.