Final answer:
The two guiding principles at the heart of Buddhism are A. the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation, and the Eightfold Path, which outlines steps towards achieving enlightenment and a moral life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Principles of Buddhism
The two guiding principles at the heart of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths serve as the foundation for understanding the nature of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation, which is comprehensively detailed in the Eightfold Path. These principles articulate a path to enlightenment and instruct adherents on how to lead a moral life, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation.
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering (dukkha).
Suffering arises from attachment to desires.
Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases.
Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Middle Way.
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path prescribes ways of living that guide actions of mind, body, and speech towards promoting a peaceful and enlightened life. It consists of Right Understanding, Right Mindedness, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, Right Effort, Right Attentiveness, and Right Concentration. By following these, one can achieve nirvana, which is a state of ultimate peace and liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.