THE SETTING IN MOTION OF THE WHEEL OF THE LAW
The Buddha who had become Enlightened as the result of many years of physical and mental practices decided to share his fruit of Enlightenment with the Five ascetics who had abandoned him when he broke his austerities. He found them at Deer Park in Benares. At first when they saw him in the distance they agreed not to receive him but as he came upon them they could not resist the power that radiated from him and instead they received him with respect and listened to the explanation of his Enlightenment with deep interest. And they were led to the opening of their eyes to the Truth. They became his disciples and the first to be in Brotherhood (Sangha). This memorable occasion is called the "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of the Law" Thus once the news of his setting in motion of the wheel of the Law spread swiftly it caught on like fire amongst men of great fame and high caste and thus Buddha was to start his long journey of propagation of his teachings. |
