Class 10 English - ODISHA
Prose: The Sermon at Benares
The Sermon at Benares is a poignant prose piece in the Class 10 Odisha (BSE) English curriculum that narrates the life-changing journey of Siddhartha Gautama. Disturbed by human suffering, the prince leaves his royal luxuries to seek enlightenment, eventually becoming the Buddha. His first sermon at the holy city of Benares teaches a grieving mother, Kisa Gotami, the universal truth of mortality: death is common to all, and weeping cannot bring back the dead. This chapter is vital for board exams as it teaches deep philosophical values, empathy, and tests students' comprehension through textual and value-based questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Siddhartha Gautama's Awakening
Prince Siddhartha witnessed human suffering (sickness, old age, and death) which deeply moved him, leading him to abandon his royal life in search of true enlightenment.
The Meaning of Nirvana
After sitting in meditation under a peepal tree for days, Siddhartha gained deep wisdom and was renamed the Buddha, meaning the 'Awakened' or the 'Enlightened One.'
Kisa Gotami's Grief
A heartbroken mother named Kisa Gotami loses her only son and goes door-to-door asking for medicine to revive him, blinded by her immense grief and refusal to accept death.
The Mustard Seed Lesson
The Buddha asks Kisa Gotami to bring a handful of mustard seed from a house where no one has ever died, helping her realize that death is an inevitable reality in every family.
The Inevitability of Death
The Buddha preaches that the life of mortals is troubled and brief; just as ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, mortals when born are always in danger of death.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions commonly include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer questions testing character motives (like Kisa Gotami), and long-type value-based questions focusing on the central message of the Buddha's sermon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main lesson Buddha gave to Kisa Gotami?
Buddha taught her that death is universal and inevitable, and wise people do not grieve because they understand the ways of the world.
Why did Kisa Gotami go from house to house?
She was searching for medicine to bring her dead son back to life, as she was blinded by grief and could not accept his death.
Why is the city of Benares important in this chapter?
Benares is considered the most holy of the dipping places on the River Ganges, where the Buddha preached his first sermon outlining the universal truth of human suffering.
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