T he S ermon at
T he S ermon at — Study Notes
NCERT-aligned · 11 notes · 3 shown free
LET'S BEGIN
ExplanationLET'S BEGIN
The chapter 'The Sermon at Benaras' opens with a reflective activity to engage students in understanding the meaning and context of the word 'sermon'. The word 'sermon' has multiple meanings depending on the context: it can refer to a talk on a religious or moral subject, or it can mean a long, monotonous admonition or warning, often perceived as a lecture. Students are encouraged to discuss which meaning applies to the present text, which is a religious discourse by Gautama Buddha. They are also asked to think of examples where 'sermon' is used in different contexts, such as a religious sermon in a church or a parent giving a long lecture to a child. Additionally, the activity prompts students to reflect on their own experiences when elders give repeated advice or warnings, leading to responses like 'Oh, not again!' This helps students connect personally with the theme of the chapter and prepares them for the deeper philosophical content that follows.
- The word 'sermon' has multiple meanings: religious/moral talk or a long admonition.
- The chapter's context is a religious sermon by Gautama Buddha.
- Students discuss examples of sermons in different contexts.
- Reflection on personal experiences with repeated advice or warnings.
- Prepares students to understand the nature of Buddha's discourse.
- 📌 Sermon: A talk on religious or moral subject; or a long admonition or lecture.
Death Is Nothing At All
ConceptDeath Is Nothing At All
This section presents the poem 'Death Is Nothing At All' by Canon Henry Scott Holland, which was originally delivered as part of a sermon in 1910. The poem offers a comforting perspective on death, emphasizing continuity and the absence of real separation between the living and the dead. It suggests that death is merely a transition, like slipping into the next room, and that life and relationships remain unchanged. The poem encourages readers to remember the deceased without sorrow or solemnity, to continue speaking of them in familiar ways, and to hold onto the joy and memories shared. This philosophical viewpoint resonates with the themes in 'The Sermon at Benaras', where suffering and death are addressed with a spiritual understanding. Students are encouraged to compare and contrast this poem with Buddha's sermon, analyzing themes such as the nature of suffering, death, and the human response to loss.
- Death is portrayed as a negligible accident, not an end.
- The poem emphasizes continuity of life and relationships after death.
- Encourages familiar and joyful remembrance rather than sorrow.
- Connects with the themes of suffering and detachment in Buddha's sermon.
- Invites comparison between Western and Eastern philosophical views on death.
- 📌 Continuity: The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time.
- 📌 Solemnity: The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
READING COMPREHENSION - TEXT I
ExplanationREADING COMPREHENSION - TEXT I
This passage from 'The Transformed Mind' by His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of human suffering to achieve a happier humanity. According to the Dalai Lama, while economic and political factors contri
Practice Questions — T he S ermon at
Includes NCERT exercise questions with answers
Q1.There are some omissions in the paragraph given below. Edit the paragraph, use suitable prepositions and words. The Wild Geese One day, Prince Siddhartha was going the royal gardens on his way the river. A flock wild geese passed overhead. Devadatta, the Prince’s cousin, shot arrow into their midst one of the geese fell. It was wounded and fell just front of Siddhartha. His heart was filled compassion when he saw poor bird bleeding profusely. He lifted it and he drew the arrow very carefully from its body. He took the bird with him. Devadatta sent a messenger claim the bird. But Siddhartha refused to give it. He said that belonged to him because he had saved its life. It did not belong to Devadutta who had tried to kill.
Answer:
Corrected paragraph: One day, Prince Siddhartha was going to the royal gardens on his way to the river. A flock of wild geese passed overhead. Devadatta, the Prince’s cousin, shot an arrow into their midst; one of the geese fell. It was wounded and fell just in front of Siddhartha. His heart was filled with compassion when he saw the poor bird bleeding profusely. He lifted it and carefully drew the arrow from its body. He took the bird with him. Devadatta sent a messenger to claim the bird. But Siddhartha refused to give it. He said that it belonged to him because he had saved its life. It did not belong to Devadatta who had tried to kill it.
Explanation:
The paragraph has omissions and missing prepositions. The corrections include adding 'to' before 'the royal gardens' and 'to the river', adding 'of' before 'wild geese', adding articles like 'an' before 'arrow', adding missing prepositions like 'in front of', 'with compassion', and correcting sentence structure for clarity and grammatical correctness.
Q2.Following is a narrative on Sanchi stupa. Listen to it carefully and answer the questions that follow. You can listen to the recorded narrative or ask your teacher, sibling or friend to read it aloud. (a) Which Buddhist monument is referred to here and what does it portray? (b) Who are the people who visit this Stupa throughout the year? (c) In which period the Stupa was built, and who commissioned it? (d) Where is the central chamber in the Stupa? What is kept inside it? (e) What structures were added to the huge hemisphere in first century BCE? (f) The toranas are decorated with: (Tick the right answer) (a) stone ornaments ( ) (b) events of Lord Buddha's life ( ) (c) Lord Buddha’s relics ( ) (d) symbolic depiction of Lord Buddha as throne, wheel, footprints, etc. ( )
Answer:
(a) The Buddhist monument referred to is the Sanchi Stupa. It portrays Buddhist art and sculpture, including events from the life of Lord Buddha symbolically depicted. (b) The people who visit the Stupa throughout the year include national and foreign tourists, archaeologists, and historians among others. (c) The Stupa was built during the Mauryan period, originally commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka. (d) The central chamber is inside the huge hemispherical dome of the Stupa. The relics of Lord Buddha are kept inside this chamber. (e) In the first century BCE, four ornamental gateways or toranas facing four directions and a balustrade surrounding the Stupa were added. (f) The toranas are decorated with events of Lord Buddha's life (option B).
Explanation:
The answers are based on the narrative provided: - The monument is the Sanchi Stupa, known for Buddhist art. - Visitors include tourists, archaeologists, historians. - Built during Mauryan period by Ashoka. - Central chamber holds Buddha's relics. - Toranas and balustrade added later. - Toranas depict events from Buddha's life, not just ornaments or relics. Hence, option (b) is correct for the MCQ.
Q3.It is important to know that everyone has some problem or other, and they grieve in unique ways. Your grief is different than those around you. You have experienced a loss or an intense sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death. This can also refer to the loss of physical or cognitive abilities or the loss of something that was routine in your life such as friendship, head boy or head girl, playing for school, etc. Discuss with your friend and note down— - what could be the possible reasons for someone’s grief or sorrow. - how can they overcome this. Share your feelings and suggestions in the class.
Answer:
Possible reasons for grief or sorrow include loss of a loved one, loss of health or abilities, loss of friendship, loss of a role or position, failure, or any significant change in life. To overcome grief, one can talk about their feelings, seek support from friends and family, engage in activities that bring comfort, allow oneself time to heal, and find ways to remember and honor what was lost. Sharing feelings and being patient with oneself are important steps.
Explanation:
The question encourages discussion and reflection. Grief is personal and can arise from various losses. Overcoming grief involves emotional expression, support, patience, and positive coping strategies. Sharing in class helps build empathy and understanding.
Q4.Write a paragraph on how you can help others who are in grief. You may consider the following points: - grief is expressed through a variety of behaviours—observe these - reach out to others in their grief, but some people may not want to accept help; some will not share their grief—understand this - some others will want to talk about their thoughts and feelings—be a support to them, stand by them - let the grieving person know you care for them—be patient - focus on what you can do, like holding their hand, etc.—a solace or a consolation
Answer:
Helping others in grief involves being observant of their behaviour and emotions, offering support without forcing it, and respecting their need for privacy if they do not wish to share. For those who want to talk, listen patiently and empathetically. Showing care through small gestures like holding their hand or simply being present can provide comfort. Patience and understanding are key, as grief takes time to heal.
Explanation:
The paragraph should reflect empathy, patience, and supportive actions. Recognizing different ways people express grief and responding accordingly helps in providing effective support.
Q5.Two poems are given in the textbook, First Flight, page 138–139, one by Kahlil Gibran, and the other by Rabindra Nath Tagore. Read the poems, discuss in groups of four on what these two poets want to say in their respective poems. Then write the summary of each poem and share it with your classmates.
Answer:
The poem by Kahlil Gibran emphasizes the importance of freedom and the courage to take risks in life, symbolized by the first flight of a bird leaving the nest. It encourages embracing change and growth despite fear. Rabindra Nath Tagore's poem reflects on the journey of life and the challenges faced while growing up. It conveys messages of hope, resilience, and the beauty of new beginnings. Summaries should capture these themes and the poets' messages about courage, freedom, and growth.
Explanation:
The question requires comprehension and interpretation of the poems. Discussion helps in understanding the themes, and writing summaries consolidates learning.
Q6.Work in groups of four. - Collect Jataka tales (at least six) concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. - Read these and rewrite the stories in your own words. You can develop a comic strip too. - Make a collage of the stories. - Illustrate the stories and display the collage in your class.
Answer:
This is a project work requiring group collaboration. Students should collect at least six Jataka tales about the previous births of Gautama Buddha, both human and animal forms. They should read and understand the stories, then rewrite them in their own words to ensure comprehension. Creating comic strips will help visualize the stories. Making a collage and illustrating the stories will enhance creativity and presentation skills. Finally, displaying the collage in class will share the learning with peers.
Explanation:
The project encourages research, comprehension, creativity, and teamwork. It helps students connect with cultural and religious heritage through storytelling and art.
Q7.Who is the author of the book 'The Light of Asia', from which the chapter 'The Sermon at Benares' is excerpted?
Answer:
Sir Edwin Arnold
Explanation:
'The Light of Asia' is a poetic work by Sir Edwin Arnold that retells the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. The chapter 'The Sermon at Benares' is an excerpt from this book.
Q8.What is the main theme of the sermon delivered by Buddha at Benares?
Answer:
The Four Noble Truths
Explanation:
The sermon at Benares focuses on the Four Noble Truths, which form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and mark the beginning of Buddha's teaching career.
All 7 Chapters in Words and Expressions 2
English · Class 10