The fundamental teaching of the Buddha is his teaching on the Four Noble Truths:

1. That there is suffering
2. that suffering has cause
3. that there is cessation of suffering, and
4. that there is a path to such freedom.

The underlying principle of this teaching is the universal principle of causality.  What becomes important in the understanding of this basic teaching is a genuine awareness of one's own potentials and the need to utilize them to their fullest.  Seen in this light, every human action becomes significant.

His Holiness XIV Dali Lama