Basic Buddhism: the four noble truths and the science of compassion

The Buddha apprehended the Four Noble Truths which are traditionally identified as the first teaching and considered as one of the most important teachings in Buddhism. Buddha's teachings were propagated by his followers, and these lead to the development of many sub-schools of Buddhist thought based on different interpretations and authentic teachings of the Buddha. The best known and most widespread in the modern era traditions are Theravada and Mahayana. Compassion (karuna) is considered as an important quality in all schools of Buddhism, but in Mahayana tradition compassion is the highest quality to be cultivated on the bodhisattva path. The Buddha argued that his teaching is not a dogma and should be accepted through one’s own experience. Different Buddhist schools have various approaches to the study and practice of the Four Noble Truths. Nonetheless while remaining the central doctrine of Buddhism the Four Noble Truths provide a conceptual foundation for all Buddhist thought.