Siddhartha's Four Sights
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.3.3
The Four Sights
On his journeys outside the palace, Siddhartha met four people. Each encounter shocked him.
The old person
- From this meeting, Siddhartha learned that no one is young forever.
- Life becomes harder as we grow older.
The sick person
- This was the first time Siddhartha had encountered serious illness and became aware of suffering.
- He saw the suffering of the sick person and the suffering of their worried family.
The dead person
- Siddhartha realised that one day we all must die.
- Life can be short, so making the best use of our time is important.
The holy person
- This person appeared happy, even though he had very little.
- Siddhartha realised that the comfort of his palace would not bring him happiness or inner peace.