The backbone of all Buddhist teachings is the 4 Noble Truths. The first sermon that the newly enlightened historical Buddha gave was about the 4 Truths. This sermon was given in a deer park and has come to be known as the Samyutta Nikaya.
Therefore, the Buddha said in the Samyutta Nikaya: These Four Noble Truths, monks, are actual, unerring, not otherwise. Therefore, they are called noble truths.
So, what are these truths? Well......
1. Life entails suffering (dissatisfaction) also known as duhkha
2. Dissatisfaction is a result of suffering (craving/desire) also known as trishna
3. Suffering can be stopped also known as nirvana
4. The way to end suffering is with the 8-fold path also known as maggha
Again from the Samyutta Nikaya: Why have I declared (the four noble truths)? Because it is beneficial, it belongs to the fundamentals of the holy life, it leads to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to peace, to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nirvana. That is why I have declared it.
Here is a great LINK to a study guide. It goes into great detail on something that seems so simple :-)
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