While addressing a group of monks on a full moon day in July, 589 BC, Buddha spoke about the two extremes not to be followed by an ascetic. According to him, the first extreme was sensual indulgence that could be described as low, vulgar and worldly. The second extreme was self-mortification that always brought about pain and discomfort. Therefore Buddha advised his followers to take the middle path between the two extremes.

Buddha then explained the middle path as the Noble Eightfold Path that involved right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. Buddha also told his listeners about the Four Noble Truths: the noble truth of suffering, the noble truth of the arising of suffering, the noble truth of the cessation of suffering, and the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering. Thus Buddha set into motion the theory of the Dhamma.

Buddha said that a clear understanding of the four noble truths was necessary to attain enlightenment. Once the concept is clear, there is only wisdom and awareness at the other end. Besides, enlightenment also brings about Nirvana that frees a person from the cycle of rebirths.

Thus Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park near Sarnath and went on to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers the world has ever seen.