Buddha and Number Four: A Long Relation

We all know Buddha. Also, we all have heard about the four noble truths in Buddhism but the relation of Buddha and the number four is not just limited to the noble truths only. This further goes to various aspects and also there is some symbolism. Let's explore the stories of the number 'four' in Buddha's life.

Buddha walking seven steps just after birth

Four Scenes

Gautama, the prince, was always kept distant from the ordinary world by his father, King Shuddhodhan, because of a prophecy of a saint about the child Gautama that he will either rule the world or leave the world to become a sanyasi. Shuddhodhan wanted him to be the king thus Gautama was always kept in luxury. Once he went out with his sarathi(charioteer) Channa to visit the city and he saw the following scenes:

An Old Man: When Gautama saw an old man suffering from various pains caused by ageing he asked Channa about it. Channa explained that ageing was a part of all living beings. Buddha was disturbed.

A Sick Person: Moving further he saw a sick person. He again asked Channa about the scene then Channa explained that sickness was also a part of all living beings. Buddha was disturbed even more.

A Dead Body: Then Gautama saw a dead body and asked Channa to explain that scene. Channa told him that death is an inevitable part of every living being. Now Buddha was even more disturbed, confused and in the thoughts of sufferings that all of us go through.

A Monk: Then Gautama saw a monk meditating and unaware of all that was happening to surround him. Channa, when asked, explained that Monks try to find the reasons for all the sufferings and ultimately become free from all of that. This was relieving for Gautama. He decided to live the life of a monk. 

Four Scenes

Four Events

The number of major events in Buddha's life is also 'four'. The four major events are Mahabhinishkramana, Sambodhi, Dhammachakrapravartana and, Mahaparinibbana.  

Mahabhinishkramana: Gautama, having seen those four scenes and decided to live a monk's life, left home. This event is known as Mahabhinishkramana. He left his wife Yashodhara and son Rahul at the palace and went on the path of enlightenment.

Sambodhi: Gautama achieved enlightenment and became Tathagata Buddha (one who perceives without illusioned, intelligent) and became free from sufferings. This event is known as Sambodhi.

Dhammachakkpavattana (Sanskrit: Dharma Chakra Pravartana): Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (near Varanasi, India) to five people. This event is known as Dhammachakkapavattana. 

Mahaparinibbana (Sanskrit: Mahapari Nirvana): The death of Buddha is known as Mahaparinibbana. It happened in Kushinagar, India.

Mahaparinibbana

Four Noble Truths

We all know that there are four noble truths that Buddha told to people. They are Dukkha, Dukkha Samudaya, Nirodh and, Magga.

Dukkha: Buddha says, "There is suffering".

Dukkha Samudaya: The reason for sufferings is desire.

Nirodh: Curbing desire is the solution to sufferings.

Magga (Sanskrit: Marga): The way to end sufferings is to follow the Arya Ashtangika Marga (Noble Eightfold Path).

These were the stories of number four in Buddha's life. There are many other connections between number four and Buddhism but that's the subject of another article.