According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha taught a path of development which leads to awakening and full liberation from dukkha (often translated as "suffering" or "unease", which is said to be caused by attachment or clinging. He endorsed the Middle Way, an approach which avoids the extremes of asceticism and hedonism while incorporating meditation techniques alongside ethical precepts rooted in non-harming.
At the heart of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, which encapsulate the Buddha's insights into the nature of existence.

Dukkha (Suffering): The recognition that suffering is an inherent aspect of life.

Samudaya (Cause of Suffering): Identifying craving and attachment as the root causes of suffering.

Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): Realizing that the cessation of craving leads to the end of suffering.

Magga (Path to the End of Suffering): Propounding the Eightfold Path as the transformative journey toward liberation.