The Second Noble Truth of Buddhism is The Noble Truth of the Causes of Suffering

Once we see the reality of suffering, we see the causes of suffering. The Buddha taught that the causes of suffering are our own actions (karma) and our afflictive thoughts and emotions. It’s easy to blame our suffering on external causes like another person or situation. However, our own attitudes and actions are the primary determining factors of our happiness or suffering. If we don’t want to suffer, there are certain actions and attitudes we should avoid. For example, if we lie to others, we will live with the stress and paranoia that whoever we lied to may find out the truth. If so, we may lose their trust and friendship. If we want to gain happiness and avoid suffering, we have to know their causes and act accordingly.