<P> (W) hen the four noble truths are regarded in the canon as the first teaching of the Buddha, they function as a view or doctrine that assumes a symbolic function . Where the four noble truths appear in the guise of a religious symbol in the Sutta - pitaka and the Vinaya - pitaka of the Pali canon, they represent the enlightenment experience of the Buddha and the possibility of enlightenment for all Buddhists within the cosmos . </P> <P> As a proposition, they are part of the matrix or "network of teachings," in which they are "not particularly central," but have an equal place next to other teachings, describing how release from craving is to be reached . A long recognized feature of the Theravada canon is that it lacks an "overarching and comprehensive structure of the path to nibbana ." The sutras form a network or matrix, and the four truths appear within this "network of teachings," which have to be taken together . Within this network, "the four noble truths are one doctrine among others and are not particularly central," but are a part of "the entire dhamma matrix ." The four noble truths are be set and learnt in that network, learning "how the various teachings intersect with each other," and refer to the various Buddhist techniques, which are all explicitly and implicitly part of the passages which refer to the four truths . According to Anderson, </P> <P> There is no single way of understanding the teachings: one teaching may be used to explain another in one passage; the relationship may be reversed or altered in other talks . </P> <P> As a proposition, the four truths defy an exact definition, but refer to and express the basic orientation of Buddhism: clinging and craving to temporary states and things is ultimately unsatisfactory and painful, dukkha, and leads to repeated rebirth and "redeath ." By following the Buddhist path, craving and clinging can be confined, peace of mind and real happiness can be attained, and the resulting cycle of repeated rebirth and "redeath" will be stopped . </P>

Which of these describes the four noble truths