Expert: Alex Wilding - 6/18/2010

Question
Which of the four insights most reflects a response from Buddha's childhood? My daughter brought this home and I am doing my best to help but am lost. Do you have any idea what her teacher is asking?

Answer
Hi Zena,
As this is a school thing, I would assume that the teacher is referring to what is more commonly known as the Four Noble Truths (although I know there are people who argue that this translation is misleading).
Given that, you will more easily be able to find information through the great founts of knowledge, Google and Wikipedia. The structure of these four is modeled, we can only assume deliberately, on the classic format of an Indian Medical diagnosis: identification, cause, prognosis, treatment. Since the understanding of what the cause is, and the consequent ability to give a prognosis and offer a treatment are supposed to have arisen on the night when the Buddha achieved full enlightenment, it logically follows that only the first, which is the realisation that life inevitably involves the sufferings of birth, illness, old age and death, could be related to his childhood.
I hope that helps a bit!
Best wishes
Alex Wilding