Buddhism teaches that suffering is caused by:

Buddhism fundamentally teaches that suffering, or "dukkha," is primarily caused by desire and attachment. This concept is central to the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and the path toward its cessation. Desire in this context refers not only to physical cravings but also to deep-seated attachments to things, emotions, relationships, and even beliefs about oneself and the world. When individuals are attached to transient things, they inevitably face suffering as these desires can never be fully satisfied or are subject to change and loss.

The path to reducing suffering, as proposed by Buddhism, involves understanding and letting go of these desires, which leads to a peaceful and more enlightened state of being. While fear of death, lack of spiritual practices, or isolation may contribute to personal suffering in various ways, they do not encapsulate the core Buddhist teaching on the origin of suffering as desire does.