These three values emerge very clearly through episodes in the Buddha's own life. Through cultivating these three qualities one is able to eliminate the defilements and attain enlightenment. So it is no accident that these qualities should stand out so prominently in the life of the Buddha. Let us look at them one by one and let us start with renunciation. As often happens, some of the very first evidence of the Buddha's renunciation manifested itself while He was still very young.
Renunciation is basically a recognition that all existence is suffering.
When one recognizes the fact that all existence is suffering, this brings about what we might call a turning about, in other words, seeing that life is full of suffering one begins to look for something more. This is why suffering is the First Noble Truth. This recognition that existence is suffering is the essence of renunciation. You may know of Prince Siddhartha's visit to the annual ploughing ceremony at the age of seven. It was there that while watching the ploughing the prince noticed a worm that had been unearthed by the plough devoured by a bird.