The first sermon of the Buddha, delivered at Sarnath, is known as:

The Buddha's first sermon, delivered at Sarnath (near Varanasi), is known as the "Dharmachakra Pravartana" (Pali: "Dhammacakkappavattana"), meaning "Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma".

About the first sermon:

• After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to the Deer Park (Mrigadava or Isipatana) at Sarnath.
• There he taught his five former companions, who had practised austerities with him earlier.
• They became his first disciples, and the Buddhist Sangha (order of monks) was formed.
• The sermon is preserved as the "Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta".

Teachings of the first sermon:

The "Middle Path": avoiding both extreme indulgence in pleasures and extreme self-torture.

The "Four Noble Truths":

• Life is full of suffering (dukkha).
• Suffering is caused by desire or craving (tanha).
• Suffering can be ended by ending desire (nirodha).
• The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path (magga).
• The "Eightfold Path": right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

The symbol of the wheel:

• The "Dharmachakra" (wheel of dharma) symbolises the Buddha's teaching.
• The wheel, often shown with deer on either side, represents the first sermon in Buddhist art.
• The Ashoka Chakra on the Indian national flag has 24 spokes, and is taken from the Ashokan capital at Sarnath.

About Sarnath:

• It is in Uttar Pradesh, about 10 km from Varanasi.
• It has the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan pillar and the Mulagandhakuti Vihara.
• "Dharmachakra Pravartana Day" (Asalha Puja) is celebrated on the full moon of Ashadha, which is also Guru Purnima.

Why not the other options?

• ✗"Mahaparinirvana" refers to the Buddha's death.
• ✗"Mahabhinishkramana" refers to an earlier event in his life.
• ✗"Sambodhi" refers to his enlightenment.