Teaching the Four Noble Truths

42. The Buddha taught them the Four Noble Truths. The first Noble Truth was about the fact that suffering exists. The second was about the cause of suffering; the third was that it is possible to end suffering; and the fourth explained the path to be followed if you want to end suffering. During this first teaching, Kondanna understood everything and attained the first stage of enlightenment. Then he asked the Buddha to ordain him as a monk. Soon the other four also joined the Buddha’s order. All five monks practiced diligently and with the help of the Buddha they soon became fully enlightened ones, or arahants.