The Four Sights

Old Age

Sickness

Death

The Holy Man

Although the Prince Siddhartha was protected from all the problems of life outside the palace gate, one day when he went out with Channa, his Charioteer he saw an old man. He was bent over. His hair was white and had no teeth. Prince Siddhartha was surprised and asked Channa if he was a man. He questioned Channa more, and learned that this would happen to him, if he lived long enough, as it happened to all.

Later he encountered a sick man and he witnessed the grief of mourners as they were carrying a dead body. These things made him think about the true nature of the things.

But then, he saw a man with shaved head and saffron robe, who looked serenely calm. The Holy Man, a Monk. Channa explained that this man was seeking a way out of suffering. The Prince decided to be like him to find the truth to overcome the suffering of the world.