  The general leitmotif of Buddhist teachings, which is also the first  of the four noble truths, is the realization that unsatisfactoriness  or suffering (Skt. duḥkha, Pāli dukkha)  is a pervasive aspect of conditioned existence. With the recognition  of this fundamental truth about the nature of phenomena comes the  realization of the cause of discontent and of its finality (the  second and third noble truths, respectively). Lastly, undertaking the course of action that leads to its cessation (the fourth noble truth) forms the basis and the main motivating principle of the Buddhist  path. 