Gautam Buddha’s First Sermon: Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra

Gautam Buddha’s first sermon, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra, is a pivotal moment in Buddhist tradition. This event took place in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India, and marked the start of Buddha’s teaching journey following his enlightenment.

Key Elements:

1. Dharmachakra: The “Wheel of Dharma” symbol represents the commencement of Buddha’s teachings.
2. Four Noble Truths: The sermon introduces these truths, addressing the nature of suffering, its cause, cessation, and the path to cessation.
3. Eightfold Path: Detailed within the sermon, it outlines the path to liberation from suffering.
4. Formation of the Sangha: Buddha’s first five disciples formed the initial community of monks, establishing the first Sangha.
This sermon is a foundational text in Buddhism, laying down the core principles that would shape Buddhist philosophy and practice.

SRIRAM’s