The Four Sights Flashcards
1
Q
What are the four sights
A
old age, ilness, death and holy man
inspired siddartha to renounce life of luxury
2
Q
what led to siddartha discovering four sights
A
- siddartha grew curious of life outside palace
- he decided to leave palace with his driver to nearby city
- story in jakata tales
- he encountered 4 sights outside palace
3
Q
old age
A
encountered frail old man realised everyone will age
4
Q
ilness
A
saw someone lying on road in agony and realised ilness is reality of life
5
Q
death
A
saw dead man being carried in funeral procession. realised everyone will die
6
Q
holy man
A
siddartha wanted answers to what he saw. he saw holy man with a peaceful expression. this inspired to believe spiritual answer to suffering was possible
7
Q
why did he leave the palace?
A
- realised he wouldnt find answers to suffering by living life of luxury
- so he left palace, abandonced horse, cut off his hair, gave back materialistic items
- left newborn baby and son to pursue spiritual enlightenment
- resulted in renunciation - letting go
8
Q
why are 4 sights important
A
- can be seen as spiritual insights into nature of suffering and spiritual path
