Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon and spoke about the Four Noble Truths for the first time. Sarnath is a city connected to Varanasi. After the incredible hustle and bustle of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River, the park of Sarnath's stupa is filled with infinite tranquility.
We arrived in Varanasi in the evening, our accommodation was on the banks of the Ganges. We walked along the banks and in the city in a huge bustle. It is difficult to navigate in the city traffic. We left for Sarnath early in the morning, still in the dark, to avoid the heavy traffic, but it still took us an hour to get out of the city.
Deer Park and the Origin of Buddhist Teachings
At the heart of Sarnath's significance lies Deer Park, where Gautama Buddha embarked on his teaching journey. Renowned as the place where Lord Buddha first expounded the Dharma, Sarnath is also recognized as the site of the historic Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. After six years of intense practice, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, marking it a pivotal pilgrimage site. Five weeks later, having achieved Nirvana, Lord Buddha arrived in Sarnath to impart his teachings to the Pañcavaggiya monks who had left him in Bodh Gaya before his enlightenment. This marked the initiation of the "Wheel of Dharma."
Sermons in Deer Park
In the tranquil setting of Deer Park, he delivered his inaugural sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, aiming to liberate humanity from suffering. The Deer Park witnessed the unfolding of other profound Suttas, including Anattalakkhana Sutta, Saccavibhanga Sutta, Pañca Sutta, Rathakra or Pacetana, and two Psa Suttas, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Buddhist teachings. Concepts like the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path resonated amidst the verdant landscape.
The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path
There is Suffering
Cause of Suffering
End of the Cause
Eightfold Path to End Suffering
Lord Buddha, recognizing the human predicament, prescribed the Eightfold Path as a transformative guide to alleviate suffering.
