Question

Buddha's word for release from pain and selfishness?

Answer 1

The Four Noble Truths refer to and express the basic orientation of Buddhism[1] in a short expression:[2][note 1] we crave and cling to impermanent states and things,[3] which are dukkha,[4] "incapable of satisfying"[web 1] and painful.[web 1][3][5][6][7][web 2] This craving keeps us caught in samsara,[note 2] the endless cycle of repeated bhava ("becoming") and jāti(literally: "birth", interpreted as rebirth), and the continued dukkha that comes with it.[note 3]There is, however, a way to end this cycle,[8][note 4] namely by attaining nirvana, cessation of craving, whereafter birth and the accompanying dukkha will no longer arise again.[note 5][9] This can be accomplished by following the eightfold path,[note 1] restraining oneself, cultivating discipline and wholesome states, and practicing mindfulness and dhyana.[10][11]