Full Idea
The teachings of the Buddha are summarised in 'four noble truths': 1) life means suffering, 2) the origin of suffering is attachment, 3) the end of suffering is attainable, and 4) the path to the end of suffering.
Gist of Idea
Four Noble Truths: life is suffering, caused by attachment, it is avoidable, there is a path
Source
Kevin Aho (Existentialism: an introduction [2014], 9 'dukkha')
Book Reference
Aho,Kevin: 'Existentialism: an introduction' [Polity 2014], p.154
A Reaction
1) and 2) summarise everything I dislike about most eastern philosophy. In the modern world life does not have to be suffering. To break off attachments in order to avoid suffering is a hideous injunction.