The basis of Buddhist teaching and practice is the Four Noble Truths that the Buddha expounded in the first sermon that he gave in Benares, soon after he himself achieved enlightenment. All of the different varieties of Buddhism that have developed since his lifetime are still based upon these ideas, which have been discussed and written about by a number of different Buddhist scholars and leaders. One of the most thoughtful recent exploration of the Four Noble Truths is presented in a book dedicated to the topic by the Dalai Lama. This paper examines both the Four Noble Truths as the leader of Tibetan Buddhism presents them as well as looking at a biography of the Buddha by Karen Armstrong. Together these books will provide the reader with a strong foundation into the most important Buddhist beliefs and tenets as well as an understanding of the historical context during which Buddhism arose.
