Śuddhodana was determined to see his son become a king, so he prevented him from leaving the palace grounds. But at age 29, despite his father's efforts, Gautama ventured beyond the palace several times. In a series of encounters—known in Buddhist literature as the four sights—he learned of the suffering of ordinary people, encountering an old man, a sick man, a corpse and, finally, an ascetic holy man, apparently content and at peace with the world. These experiences prompted Gautama to abandon royal life and take up a spiritual quest. COUNT 12
QSN1 What did Śuddhodana do to ensure that his son became a king instead of a holy man? ANS1 prevented him from leaving the palace grounds QSN2 How old was Gautama when he first left the palace grounds? ANS2 29 QSN3 What happened when Gautama left the palace grounds? ANS3 he learned of the suffering of ordinary people QSN4 What are the four sights in Buddhism? ANS4 encountering an old man, a sick man, a corpse and, finally, an ascetic holy man QSN5 What did Buddha's father want him to become? ANS5 a king QSN6 By what age was he venturing outside? ANS6 29 QSN7 What were his first four encounters called? ANS7 the four sights QSN8 What did Gautama do after learning about the outside world? ANS8 abandon royal life QSN9 Suddhodana wanted his son to become what? ANS9 a king QSN10 At what age did Gautama venture out from the palace area? ANS10 29 QSN11 How many "sights" did Gautama have that are well known? ANS11 four QSN12 Gautama encountered an old man, a sick man, a holy man, and a what? ANS12 corpse