Class 10 English - MP
Prose: The Sermon at Benares
The Sermon at Benares is a poignant chapter in Class 10 English (MPBSE) that narrates the journey of Gautama Buddha. Starting as a prince surrounded by luxury, he confronts human suffering, leaves his royal life in search of enlightenment, and delivers his first sermon at the holy city of Benares. Through the story of Kisa Gotami, who desperately seeks medicine to revive her dead son, Buddha teaches a profound universal truth: death is common to all mortals, and grief cannot bring back the dead. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests students' understanding of empathy, grief, and philosophical acceptance.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Early Life of Gautama Buddha
Born as Siddhartha Gautama, a prince, he was shielded from the sufferings of the world until he encountered a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession, and a monk begging, which transformed his life.
Quest for Enlightenment
Deeply moved by human suffering, Siddhartha left his royal palace at age twenty-five to wander in search of wisdom, eventually sitting under a pipal tree where he attained enlightenment after seven days and renamed himself Buddha.
The Sermon at Benares
Buddha preached his first sermon at the holy city of Benares, focusing on the most sanctified place by the River Ganges, outlining the inevitability of death and sorrow for all living beings.
The Story of Kisa Gotami
A grieving mother, Kisa Gotami, refuses to accept the death of her only son and goes to Buddha, who asks her to bring a handful of mustard seed from a house where no one has ever died.
The Universal Lesson
Failing to find such a house, Kisa Gotami realizes that death is common to all and that wise people do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Madhya Pradesh (MPBSE) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on Kisa Gotami's realization, extract-based comprehension questions, and long answer questions focusing on the central theme of grief, wisdom, and Buddha's teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the task given by Buddha to Kisa Gotami?
Buddha asked Kisa Gotami to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever lost a child, husband, parent, or friend.
Why did Kisa Gotami go from house to house?
She went from house to house searching for mustard seeds and hoping to find a home where death had never visited, so she could cure her dead son.
What is the main message of 'The Sermon at Benares'?
The main message is that death is inevitable and universal. Grieving over the dead only increases pain, and true peace of mind comes from overcoming sorrow.
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