Channa and the Four Sights

Channa was the loyal charioteer and attendant to Siddhartha. He accompanied the prince on the journeys outside the palace, where Siddhartha saw the Four Sights (an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a calm ascetic) for the first time. “Channa, tell me why this man is like this,” said the prince. “What is the matter with his breath? Can no one help? Can it happen at any time by surprise?” asked Siddhartha. “My dear prince,” said Channa, “this man is sick. No one can stop it and it can happen any time. Anyone may fall ill and suffer.”