The fundamentals of the Buddhist belief system lie in the spiritual enlightenment of followers through spiritual cultivation, religious practices, and meditation. Once the mind has been awakened, he will be a Buddha, much like the founder of the organized religion, Gautama Buddha. Through the study of his words, the practice of a virtuous, moral life, and by purifying the mind, followers can obtain bodhi, or enlightenment, which they seek.

Another, perhaps more simplified belief of Buddhists is to end the stress of existence. To do so would be to discover the truth of all things and reach a state of Nirvana. The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are the means by which the ignorance and suffering of existence can melt away and the individual will be shown the truth. The fundamentals of Buddhism also encourage followers to evaluate the teachings of Gautama Buddha based on personal experiences, and if those individuals feel the teachings are valid, they should apply them to any chosen aspect of their life.

The Four Noble Truths were the first statement of Gautama Buddha following his enlightenment. These truths are among the most fundamental of the Buddhist teachings and are at the core of the enlightenment experience. The Four Noble Truths are regarded as deeply insightful and a well laid out cognitive methodology, not simply a theological perspective.

The Noble Eightfold Path is actually contained within the Four Noble Truths, but represents the means by which followers can cease the suffering of existence. There is some debate as to whether the Noble Eightfold path should be practiced sequentially or simultaneously, but regardless, it is the pathway laid out by Gautama Buddha for followers to reach bodhi, or enlightenment.