what you need to know: > 1. suffering is an inherent part of our life > 2. the origins of our suffering are cravings and attachment to transient objects and people > 3. there is an end to suffering > 4. the end of suffering is achieved by following the noble eightfold path which leads to nirvana the three marks of existence of this world are dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), anicca (impermanence) and anatta (non-self, dependent origination). we suffer in this world because we are deluded by a false sense of self that we define as permanent and as our own. in reality our "self" is no more than a string of continuous thoughts and identifying ourselves with those thoughts begets suffering. what can you do? > take refuge in the buddha, who taught living beings the origin and ending of suffering > take refuge in the dhamma, which leads us to nirvana > take refuge in the sangha, which represents the community of the buddha in this world > meditate, read the tripitaka, chant its verses, develop mindfulness in daily life and radiate your loving-kindness to all beings in the universe your actions define who you are, your actions will lead you to a happy or bad rebirth in the next life. your actions begin with your thoughts, this is the teaching of the buddha. resources:  
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