Four Noble Truths  四聖諦

It is the primary and fundamental doctrines of Shakyamuni

四聖諦是釋迦牟尼佛施教的根本原理。

1.Doctrine of Suffering - suffering is a necessary attribute of sentient existence (Effect of Suffering)

「苦諦」說明人生痛苦才會厭離世間。(「苦」是生死之果)

2.Doctrine of Accumulation - accumulation of suffering is caused by passions (Cause of Suffering)

「集諦」說明人生痛苦由於凡夫的愚痴無明，所造作的惡業。(「集」是生死之因)

3.Doctrine of Extinction - extinction of passion (Effect of Happiness)

「滅諦」說明寂靜的涅槃境界是最究竟的。(「滅」是涅槃之果。)

4.Doctrine of Path - Path leading to the extinction of passion (Cause of Happiness); i.e. Eightfold Path.

「道諦」說明人要修道才能證得涅槃。(「道」是涅槃之因)

The first two are considered to be related to this life, and the last two to the life outside and beyond this world.

前面是世間的因果，後面是出世間的因果。

The Four Noble Truths were first preached to Shakyamuni's five former ascetic companions.

佛陀初轉法輪為五比丘宣說四聖諦。