Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was born into a life of luxury and privilege as the son of a king in ancient India. He was raised in a palace and shielded from the harsh realities of the outside world. However, despite his comfortable life, Gautama felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction and was troubled by the suffering and impermanence he saw in the world.

As he grew older, Gautama became increasingly curious about the world beyond the palace walls. He convinced his father to let him venture outside the palace, and it was during these trips that he encountered the four sights that would ultimately lead him to leave his luxurious life and seek enlightenment.

The first sight that Gautama encountered was an old man. This was the first time he had seen someone who was not young and healthy, and it made him realize that old age and death are inevitable for all living beings. This sight shattered his illusion of eternal youth and made him question the purpose of life.

The second sight was that of a sick man. Gautama had never seen someone suffering from illness before, and this sight made him realize that even the wealthy and powerful are not immune to suffering and disease. He began to question the nature of human existence and the causes of suffering.

The third sight was that of a funeral procession. This was the first time Gautama had seen death, and it made him realize the impermanence of life. He understood that no matter how much wealth or power one may possess, it cannot prevent the inevitable end of life.

The final sight was that of a wandering ascetic. Gautama was struck by the peaceful and serene expression on the ascetic's face, despite his simple and humble appearance. This encounter planted the seed of the idea that true happiness and fulfillment may not be found in material possessions and worldly pleasures.

These four sights had a profound impact on Gautama and caused him to question the purpose of life and the nature of reality. He became disillusioned with his luxurious life and decided to leave the palace in search of answers.

Gautama's journey towards enlightenment was not an easy one. He faced many challenges and struggles, but through his determination and perseverance, he eventually found the answers he was seeking. He renounced his luxurious life, became a wandering ascetic, and dedicated himself to the pursuit of spiritual truth.

In conclusion, it was the four sights that Gautama encountered during his trips outside the palace that led him to leave his luxurious life and seek enlightenment. These experiences made him realize the impermanence and suffering inherent in life and sparked his desire to find a way to overcome them. Through his journey, Gautama became the founder of Buddhism and a source of inspiration for millions of people seeking inner peace and enlightenment.