July 10: First Sermon Of Lord Buddha Day [2024]

In the ancient and venerable city of Varanasi, nestled amidst the serene Deer Park of Sarnath, a momentous event unfolded on a full moon day of great auspiciousness. It was here, more than two thousand years ago, that Siddhartha Gautama, revered as the Buddha, delivered a sermon of profound significance, setting in motion a spiritual journey that would reshape the course of human understanding.

The journey to this pivotal moment began with Siddhartha's attainment of enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. After achieving this profound awakening, he spent seven weeks contemplating the truths he had realized, driven by boundless compassion for all beings. His heart urged him to share the path he had discovered—a path that promised liberation from the ceaseless cycle of birth, suffering, and death.

His destination was Sarnath, where five ascetics awaited him. These were former companions who had journeyed with him during his ascetic practices, believing then that extreme self-mortification was the key to spiritual realization. Upon seeing the Buddha approach, they were initially skeptical, for they had parted ways with him, thinking his newfound approach was one of indulgence. However, his presence, radiating serenity and wisdom, quickly dispelled their doubts.

Gathering around the Buddha in anticipation, the ascetics listened intently as he began to expound the teachings that would become the foundation of Buddhism. He started with the Middle Way—a balanced path that transcends the extremes of self-denial and self-gratification. Then, he unveiled the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering (Dukkha), its origin (Samudaya), its cessation (Nirodha), and the path leading to its cessation (Magga). These truths illuminated the fundamental nature of existence, identifying craving and attachment as the root causes of suffering.

With eloquence and clarity, the Buddha then outlined the Noble Eightfold Path—a comprehensive guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. This path consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. It serves as the roadmap to Nirvana—the state of ultimate liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

As the Buddha's words reverberated through the tranquil Deer Park, one of the ascetics, Kondañña, experienced a profound realization. His mind opened to the truth of the teachings, and he became the first to attain the stage of stream-entry—a significant milestone on the path to enlightenment. In that moment, the Deer Park bore witness to the birth of a new spiritual era, as the light of wisdom began to dispel the darkness of ignorance.

The First Sermon of the Buddha marked not only the beginning of a spiritual revolution but also the establishment of the Sangha—the community of monks and nuns dedicated to practicing and propagating the Buddha's teachings. From that historic day forward, Buddhism spread across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, transcending cultural, caste, and creed boundaries. It offered a path of peace, compassion, and wisdom to all who sought liberation from suffering.

Today, as we reflect on the significance of the First Sermon, we recognize the enduring relevance of the Buddha's teachings. In a world beset by turmoil and strife, the Middle Way continues to guide us toward harmony and equilibrium. The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path remain timeless beacons of hope, illuminating our individual and collective journey toward inner peace and universal compassion. They stand as a testament to the transformative power of wisdom and the boundless potential of the human spirit to transcend suffering and discover profound liberation.