The Buddha First Sermon at Sarnath

The Context

After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha decided to teach. He went to Sarnath.

The Text of the First Sermon

The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) has three parts:

The Two Extremes Avoided

"There are two extremes: sensual pleasure and self-mortification. There is a middle path."

The Four Noble Truths

Dukkha (suffering), Samudaya (origin), Nirodha (cessation), Magga (path).

The Conversion of the Five Ascetics

Kondanna was the first to attain Arahant. The Sangha was born.

The Mission of the Sixty

The Buddha instructed: "Wander for the welfare of the many."

Sources

• Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11)
• Anattalakkhana Sutta (SN 22.59)
• Mahavagga of the Vinaya Pitaka
• Modern research by Richard Gombrich, Paul Williams

Tradition

Universal. Celebrated annually at Vesak (May 1).