All existence is evil, because all existence is subject to change and decay.
2.

The source of this evil is the desire for things which are to change and pass away.
3.

This desire, and the evil which follows it, are not inevitable; for if we choose we can arrive at Nirvana, when both shall wholly cease.
4.

There is a fixed and certain method to adopt, by pursuing which we attain this end, without possibility of failure.
These four truths are the basis of the system.

They are: 1st, the evil; 2d, its cause; 3d, its end; 4th, the way of reaching the end.
Then follow the eight steps of this way, namely:-- 1.