Turning the Wheel of the Law

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After becoming a Buddha, Shakyamuni spent the next twenty-one days explaining the realm to which he had gained access as a result of his attainment of enlightenment. Those teachings are known as the Flower Garland Sutra (Jp. Kegon; Skt. Avatamsaka).

Shakyamuni next considered whether or not it would be appropriate to reveal the Law for attaining enlightenment to the masses. He ultimately decided that he would indeed teach Buddhism to humanity, but only after the deity Bonten pleaded with him on the people’s behalf. The Buddha then remembered the five ascetics who had originally attended him during his practice of austerities, and headed for Deer Park.

There, he began teaching those five seekers of the way by explaining the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The lecturing that Shakyamuni did at this time is referred to as beginning to turn the wheel of the Law.  The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

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