The deer park sermon (first turning of the wheel of Dharma) Buddhism

Siddhartha Gautama first taught the five Ascetics in deer park, Sarnath. initially, the rejected him for abandoning asceticism. Siddhartha explained that extreme hardship clouds the mind, so he introduced the middle way. the taught:

-four noble truths: the cause of suffering and how to over come them

-noble eightfold path: how to like the middle way

the five ascetics then achieved enlightenment. This event is known as the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma (great spiritual change)

‘Dhamma’ - hold steady/firm. refers to universal truth and law. This is a teaching the Buddha rediscovered, not invented - a foundation for knowing truth and overcoming suffering.

The Buddha travelled for 45 years to teach and organise followers. these involved wandering monks and nuns, and lay Buddhists.

Wealthy supporters donated land, and monasteries formed over time.

followers studied and meditated during the rainy season

Death

died of food poisoning, surrounded by followers.

he was cremated, bones left unburnt, and then distributed to rulers who built stupas

Key teaching and examples

lived a middle way

showed determination, compassion, wisdom, courage and practical steps