The Sermon at Benares

Textual Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 8 The Sermon at Benares

"The Sermon at Benares" tells about Buddha's early life. Born as a prince, he left his rich life to find a solution to human suffering. After wandering for seven years, he found wisdom under a peepal tree. He gave his first talk in Benares. There, he helped Kisa Gotami, a woman who lost her only son. Buddha asked her to find mustard seeds from a house where no one had died. She couldn't find any, realizing that death is a natural part of life. Buddha taught her that mourning and complaining do not help and only add to the pain. He said that avoiding these actions leads to true happiness.

1. When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why not?

Kisa Gotami was very sad when her son died. She carried his body and went to different houses, asking for medicine to make him alive again. But no one could help because once someone is dead, they can't come back to life, no matter what medicine you give.

2. Kisa Gotami again goes from house to house after she speaks with the Buddha. What does she ask for, the second time around? Does she get it? Why not?

Buddha told Kisa Gotami to get mustard seeds from a house where nobody had lost a loved one. But when she looked everywhere, she couldn't find any such house. That's because everyone loses someone they care about eventually, since death happens to everyone.

3. What does Kisa Gotami understand the second time that she failed to understand the first time? Was this what the Buddha wanted her to understand?

After Kisa Gotami couldn't find the mustard seeds, she felt tired and sat down on the roadside. While sitting there, she saw lights going out and it became dark. This made her realize that death happens to everyone, and she was being too focused on her own sadness. She understood that letting go of selfishness can lead to something eternal, like immortality. That's what Buddha wanted her to know—that everyone born will one day die.

4. Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?

At first, Kisa Gotami only thought about her own sadness from losing her son. But when she looked for mustard seeds, she saw that everyone had suffered loss. Every house she visited had lost someone they loved. Feeling sad, she sat down and understood that death happens to everyone—it's just a part of life. Buddha helped her realize that everyone will die someday, and it's something we all share.

5. How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief’?

A selfish person only cares about themselves. In the story, Kisa Gotami was selfish because she was only focused on her own sadness when her son died. She desperately wanted to bring him back to life. But Buddha taught her that everyone dies eventually. Even though it's hard to accept, death is a natural part of life.

Thinking about Language (Page 136)

I. This text is written in an old-fashioned style, for it reports an incident more than two millennia old. Look for the following words and phrases in the text, and try to rephrase them in more current language, based on how you understand them.

• give thee medicine for thy child
• Pray tell me
• Kisa repaired to the Buddha
• there was no house but someone had died in it
• kinsmen
• Mark!

• Give you medicine for your child
• Please tell me
• Kisa went to the Buddha
• There was not a single house where no one had died
• Relatives
• Listen

II. You know that we can combine sentences using words like and, or, but, yet and then. But sometimes, no such word seems appropriate. In such a case, we can use a semicolon (;) or a dash (—) to combine two clauses.

She has no interest in music; I doubt she will become a singer like her mother.

The second clause here gives the speaker’s opinion on the first clause. Here is a sentence from the text that uses semicolons to combine clauses. Break up the sentence into three simple sentences. Can you then say which has a better rhythm when you read it, the single sentence using semicolons, or the three simple sentences?

For there is not any means by which those who have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is death; of such a nature are living beings.

Using semicolons in a sentence makes it flow nicely because each part is connected. The second part gives more details about the first, and the third is related to both. This way, their meanings are clearer when they're joined by semicolons.

Writing (Page 138)

1. Write a page (about three paragraphs) on one of the following topics. You can think about the ideas in the text that are relevant to these topics and add your own ideas and experiences to them.

1. Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea
2. Helping each other to get over difficult times
3. Thinking about oneself as unique, or as one among billions of others

Topic: Helping each other to get over difficult times

During difficult times, having someone to lean on can make all the difference. Whether it's a loss, a setback, or a personal struggle, the support of others can provide much-needed comfort and strength. When we come together to help each other, we create a sense of community and shared humanity that reminds us we're not alone in our challenges.

Support can come in many forms, from a listening ear to a helping hand. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares and understands can lift a heavy burden. By offering our empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance, we can help each other navigate the darkest of days and emerge stronger on the other side.

In times of adversity, the bonds we forge through mutual support become even more precious. They remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion to light the way through the darkest of times.

Topic : Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea:

Explaining complex concepts in a simple and relatable way can be a rewarding experience. By breaking down the information into manageable chunks and using real-life examples, we can help others grasp even the most challenging ideas. Patience, clarity, and empathy are key when guiding someone through the learning process, allowing them to ask questions and make connections at their own pace. As a teacher or mentor, witnessing the moment when understanding dawns on someone's face is truly gratifying.

Topic: Thinking about oneself as unique, or as one among billions of others:

Reflecting on our individuality while also considering our place in the vast tapestry of humanity can be a humbling experience. While each person is indeed unique, we are also part of a larger community of individuals with shared experiences, emotions, and aspirations. Embracing both our uniqueness and our interconnectedness can foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in the world. It's a delicate balance between celebrating our own identity and recognizing the common humanity that binds us all together.