What Are the Four Passing Sights in Buddhism?

The four sights were observed by Prince Siddhartha who later became Gautama Buddha.

Buddhism originated in the Far East, specifically in Asian countries. Buddhists are typically passive people dedicated to finding the cause of human suffering and alleviating it. Even though three of the famous four passing sights on which Buddhism is based are inevitable conditions we all must suffer, the last one gives us all hope and is the inspiration for Buddhist devotion.

Old Man

The first passing sight from the story is that of an aged man passing in front of Prince Siddhartha's chariot. This disturbed the young, naïve prince greatly when he saw how the old man was suffering because of the infirmities brought on by advanced aging. The Prince's chariot driver Channa explained that aging is an inevitable part of the life cycle and all beings must at some point experience what the old man was suffering.

Sick Man

Next, the Prince and his chariot driver pass a sick man alongside the road. It was obvious to everyone who saw this person that he was in great pain and suffering greatly in his misery. Again, the young naïve prince was shocked to see such a terrible sight. Channa explained to the prince that much like the elderly man, sickness is also a condition all humans must face eventually. No matter who a person is, they must endure sickness and suffering. This greatly disturbed the prince.

The Corpse

The next sight the Prince and his chariot driver came across was that of a corpse. This was especially frightening to the prince, as he had never before seen anyone who had died. It was a condition entirely new to him. As before, Channa had to explain to the Prince that no matter who a person was or what their station in life, death was not a condition that no one ecould escape. This put the Prince into an extreme state of hopelessness.

The Ascetic

Finally, just as the Prince was about to give up hope, he came across an ascetic. This person had devoted his life's work to finding the cause of human suffering and alleviating it. Deeply moved by the ascetic's example, the prince made a pledge on the road to follow the path of the ascetic. This one event gets credit for causing the Buddhist movement.

References

• Buddhanet; The Four Sights: Old Age
• Buddhanet; The Four Sights: Sickness
• Buddhanet; The Four Sights: Death
• Buddhanet; The Four Sights: A Monk