The real change comes when you look in terms of the four noble truths. You actually do the path and it does lead you to something new — the end of suffering.

"When the Buddha talks about his awakening, it’s interesting to notice that he never talks in terms of the three characteristics or the three perceptions. It’s always in terms of the four noble truths, which are truths about action and result: There are unskillful mental actions that lead to suffering, skillful actions that lead to the end of suffering. The awakening is to see that that’s actually true — and you see it’s true not by generalizing, but by actually following the path and putting an end to suffering.

Some people describe awakening as giving assent to the three characteristics, saying, “Oh yeah, that really is true” — but what does that do, what does that change?

The real change comes when you look in terms of the four noble truths. You actually do the path and it does lead you to something new — the end of suffering. That’s how you can be said to know the four noble truths — you’ve actually done the duties; you’ve seen the results."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Patience & Sensitivity"

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