After leading a sheltered existence surrounded by luxury and pleasure in his younger years, Prince Siddhārtha ventured out of his palace for the first time at the age of 29.
[2][3] He set off from the palace to the city in a
chariot, accompanied by his charioteer
Channa (Sanskrit: Chandaka).
[4]
On this journey he first saw an
old man, revealing to Siddhārtha the consequences of aging.
[5] When the prince asked about this person, Channa replied that aging was something that happened to all beings alike.
[4]
The second sight was of a sick person suffering from a
disease. Once again, the prince was surprised at the sight, and Channa explained that all beings are subject to disease and pain. This further troubled the mind of the prince.
[4]
The third sight was of a
dead body. As before, Channa explained to the prince that death is an inevitable fate that befalls everyone.
[4]After seeing these three sights, Siddhārtha was troubled in his mind and sorrowful about the sufferings that have to be endured in life.
[6]
After seeing these three negative sights, Siddhārtha came upon the fourth sight, an ascetic who had devoted himself to finding the cause of human suffering.
[7] This sight gave him hope that he too might be released from the sufferings arising from being repeatedly reborn,
[3] and he resolved to follow the ascetic's example.
[4]
After observing these four sights, Siddhārtha returned to the palace, where a performance of dancing girls was arranged for him. Throughout the performance, the prince kept on thinking about the sights. In the early hours of morning, he finally looked about him and saw the dancers asleep and in disarray. The sight of this drastic change strengthened his resolve to leave in search of an end to the suffering of beings.
[8][9]
After this incident and realizing the true nature of life after observing the four sights,
[3] Siddhārtha left the palace on his horse
Kanthaka, accompanied only by Channa. He sent Channa back with his possessions and began an ascetic life, at the end of which he attained
enlightenment as
Gautama Buddha.