The Buddha's Enlightenment
The Four Sights
Prince Siddhartha, sheltered from suffering by his father King Shuddhodana, encountered an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic. These four sights awakened him to the reality of suffering and the impermanence of life.
The Great Renunciation
He left his palace, practiced extreme austerity for six years, then found the Middle Way. Under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, he defeated Mara's temptations and attained nirvana — the cessation of suffering.
The First Sermon
After enlightenment, the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This event marked the beginning of Buddhism.
Standard Disclaimer
⚠️ This entry is REVIEWED — Advisory Council review pending.
