Here we have presented NCERT Class 10 Words and Expression 2 unit 7 chapter The Sermon at Benaras solutions. Read the below post to increase your English language knowledge.
Lesson 8 The Sermon at Benaras
The Sermon at Benaras’ you were asked to find out the meaning of ‘sermon’. The meanings are given below but these are in different contexts:
a talk on a religious or moral subject
a long or monotonous piece of admonition or caution or a waring, a lecture.
(a) Discuss with your classmates the context to which the
present text belongs.
(b) What could be the examples for the different context according to you?
(c) When your parents or elders say something, you say, “Oh, not again!” When do you say so and why?
2. Read the poem given below in the context of ‘The Sermon at
Benaras’. It was actually delivered as a part of a sermon in 1910 by the author, Canon Henry ScottHolland (1847—1918), a priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. After reading the poem, discuss in groups of four and list the similarities and differences between ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ and ‘Death Is Nothing At All’. For example the theme, the situation, the philosophy of the two speakers etc.
Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched,
unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed
together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow
upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Canon Henry Scott Holland
Reading Comprehension
Text I
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
In the future, if we want a happier humanity, a happy world, we must tackle the root of the problem. Of course the economy and political power are also causes. But the ultimate cause lies within the human mind. Every human action, verbal or physical, even minor actions, have some motivation. Proper motivation or proper development is an important factor. Thus, if intelligence is accompanied with human affection and compassion, what I call human feeling, then it is very useful.
If society’s moral values and standards of behaviour become negative, each of us will suffer. Therefore, the intentions of an individual are very much related to the interests of society. There is a definite correlation.
The educational system and family life are two very important areas. In the educational field, one has to take care not only of the brain, but also of one’s spiritual development. I say “spiritual development” not in a religious sense but simply in the sense of having a good and compassionate heart. If one has a compassionate heart, it automatically brings inner strength and allows for less fear and less doubt. Subsequently, one becomes happier and more open-minded, thus making more friends in society.
(Source: The Transformed Mind by His Holiness
the Dalai Lama)
Q. 1. According to Hus Holiness the Dalai Lama, what should we do if we what a happier humanity?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 2. Where does the ultimate cause of the problem lie?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 3. “What I call human feeling, then ‘it’ is very useful.” What is ‘it’ referred to here?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 4. Why does the Dalai Lama say that proper motivation is important?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 5. Why is there a requirement of correlation between the intention and the interest of society?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 6. What does His Holiness the Dalai Lama mean by “spiritual development”?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q. 7. A compassionate heart brings-
(a) ______________________________________________
(b) ______________________________________________
(c) ______________________________________________
Answers:
Sermon at Benaras
(a) The present text, “The Sermon at Benaras,” refers to a religious talk given by Gautam Buddha on death and suffering. The context of the word “sermon” here is the first definition: a talk on a religious or moral subject. Buddha’s sermon deals with the impermanence of life and provides moral guidance on how to overcome grief.
(b) Examples for the other context of “sermon” could be:
- A parent’s lecture about studying hard for exams: When they repeatedly give you advice or caution.
- A teacher scolding students for not following rules: A long piece of admonition or warning.
- An elder cautioning about the dangers of social media misuse: A monotonous warning on moral or life-related topics.
(c) You might say, “Oh, not again!” when your parents or elders repeatedly tell you the same advice or caution, especially about things like studying, cleaning your room, or staying away from distractions. This reaction often happens when you feel that the advice is repetitive or you believe you already know it.
Comparing ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ and ‘Death is Nothing at All’
Similarities:
- Theme: Both texts deal with death and how to cope with it.
- Philosophy: Both Buddha and Canon Henry Scott Holland convey that death is not something to fear. In Buddha’s sermon, he explains that death is a natural part of life. Canon Henry Scott Holland also emphasizes that death doesn’t change the essence of a person.
- Tone: Both aim to comfort the living by explaining that death is not the end.
Differences:
- Situation: Buddha’s sermon is delivered after the death of a child to a grieving mother, addressing the universal reality of death and teaching how to overcome sorrow. In contrast, “Death is Nothing at All” is a personal reflection, telling loved ones to continue life as if nothing has changed.
- Philosophy: Buddha’s message focuses on detachment from worldly attachments and accepting the impermanence of life. Canon Henry Scott Holland’s poem emphasizes continuity, that the dead person is still near and present in spirit.
Reading Comprehension
1. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, what should we do if we want a happier humanity?
We should tackle the root cause of the problem, which lies within the human mind, and ensure proper motivation combined with compassion.
2. Where does the ultimate cause of the problem lie?
The ultimate cause of the problem lies within the human mind.
3. “What I call human feeling, then ‘it’ is very useful.” What is ‘it’ referred to here?
‘It’ refers to human affection and compassion.
4. Why does the Dalai Lama say that proper motivation is important?
Proper motivation is important because it guides human actions and leads to positive outcomes for society if combined with affection and compassion.
5. Why is there a requirement of correlation between the intention and the interest of society?
There is a requirement of correlation because negative values and behavior affect everyone, and individual intentions should align with the well-being of society.
6. What does His Holiness the Dalai Lama mean by “spiritual development”?
Spiritual development means developing a compassionate heart, which leads to inner strength, less fear, and greater happiness, not in a religious sense but through kindness and compassion.
7. A compassionate heart brings- (a) Inner strength (b) Less fear and doubt (c) Happiness and open-mindedness
Text II
Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow. Father Gillgan was overworked and extremely tired as he kept attending to the sick and dying among his parishioners. He was offering them spiritual comfort day and night. One night he fell asleep on a chair. God sent his angel down to help his most beloved servant of the people.
The Ballad of Father Gilligan
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Was weary night and day,
For half his flock were in their beds,
Or under green sods lay.
Once while he nodded on a chair,
At the moth-hour of eve.
Another poor man sent for him,
And he began to grieve.
“I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace,
For people die and die;”
Ans after cried he, “God forgive!
My body spake, not I!”
And then, half-lying on the chair,
He knelt, prayed, fell asleep;
And the moth-hour went from the fields,
And stars began to peep.
They slowly into millions grew,
And leaves shook in the wind;
And God covered the world with shade,
And whispered to mankind.
Upon the time of sparrow chirp
When the moths came once more,
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Stood upright on the floor.
“Mavrone, Mavrone! The man has died,
While I slept on the chair,”
He roused his horse out of its sleep
And rode with little care.
He rode now as he never rode,
By rocky lane and fen;
The sick man’s wife opened the door:
“Father! You come again!”
“And is the poor man dead?” he cried.
“He died an hour ago.”
The old priest Peter Gilligan
In grief swayed to and fro.
“When you were gone he turned and died,
As merry as a bird.”
The old priest Peter Gilligan
He knelt him at that word.
“He who hath made the night of stars
For souls who tire and bleed,
Sent one of His great angles down
To help me in my need.
He who wrapped in purple robes,
With planets in His care,
Had pity on the least of things
Asleep upon a chair.”
Q. 1. Why did Father Gilligan cry “my body spake, not I”?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Q. 2. “The moth-hour of eve”, the moth hour went” and “the moths came once more” establish a link. They suggest-
(a) the movement of moths.
(b) the passage of time.
(c) the actions of Father Gilligan.
Q . 3. Why did the poet say that the priest “rode with little care”? Does it mean that the old priest, Peter Gilligan, had no care for the safety of the horse and people on the way? What did he not care about?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Q. 4. How did the priest feel when he heard that the sick man was dead? (Choose the correct option.)
(a) He was frustrated and amazed.
(b) He was ashamed and annoyed.
(c) He was full of grief and self-condemnation.
Q. 5. Why did Father Gilligan kneel down when he heard the sick man’s wife say “When you were gone….”?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Q. 6. How did God help when “the least of things” was in need?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Answers:
Q. 1. Why did Father Gilligan cry “my body spake, not I”?
Father Gilligan cried “my body spake, not I” because he was exhausted and frustrated by his constant work, attending to the sick and dying. In a moment of weakness, he expressed his weariness, but immediately regretted it, realizing that his complaint came from his physical exhaustion and not his true, compassionate self.
Q. 2. “The moth-hour of eve”, “the moth hour went” and “the moths came once more” establish a link. They suggest—
(b) the passage of time.
Q. 3. Why did the poet say that the priest “rode with little care”? Does it mean that the old priest, Peter Gilligan, had no care for the safety of the horse and people on the way? What did he not care about?
The poet said the priest “rode with little care” to indicate that Father Gilligan was in a state of deep urgency and worry about the sick man he had neglected while sleeping. It does not mean that the priest didn’t care about the safety of the horse or people on the way, but that he was so focused on reaching the sick man that he didn’t care about his own safety or comfort.
Q. 4. How did the priest feel when he heard that the sick man was dead?
(c) He was full of grief and self-condemnation.
Q. 5. Why did Father Gilligan kneel down when he heard the sick man’s wife say “When you were gone….”?
Father Gilligan knelt down in gratitude and humility when he heard the wife’s words because he realized that God had sent an angel in his place to attend to the dying man, showing mercy to both the priest and the sick man. He knelt in awe of God’s compassion and care.
Q. 6. How did God help when “the least of things” was in need?
God helped Father Gilligan, “the least of things”, by sending one of His angels to take care of the dying man while the priest slept. This act of divine intervention showed God’s compassion and understanding of the priest’s physical limitations, ensuring that the sick man received the necessary spiritual comfort.
Vocabulary
1. Antonyms for the words in the text “The Sermon at Benaras’ are given below. Find the words and fill in the blanks.
(a) unfit ________________
(b) joy ________________
(c) contentment ______________
(d) found _________________
(e) lively _________________
(f) cheered ________________
(g) clam _______________
2. Use a dictionary to find out four words each having the meaning nearest to the ones given below.
Example: wander – stroll, dawdle, drift, roam,
(a) vow
(b) preach
(c) preserve
(d) enlighten
(e) awaken
(f) reign
Answers:
1. Antonyms for the words in the text “The Sermon at Benaras’ are given below. Find the words and fill in the blanks.
(a) unfit – fit
(b) joy – sorrow
(c) contentment – discontent
(d) found – lost
(e) lively – dull
(f) cheered – depressed
(g) calm – agitated
2. Use a dictionary to find out four words each having the meaning nearest to the ones given below.
(a) vow
- Oath
- Pledge
- Promise
- Swear
(b) preach
- Sermonize
- Proclaim
- Teach
- Advocate
(c) preserve
- Protect
- Maintain
- Conserve
- Safeguard
(d) enlighten
- Educate
- Inform
- Illuminate
- Clarify
(e) awaken
- Arouse
- Rouse
- Stir
- Stimulate
(f) reign
- Rule
- Govern
- Dominate
- Control
Grammar
Reported Speech
We use direct speech when we repeat someone’s words and indirect speech when we use our own words to report what someone else has said. We use an appropriate reporting verb, make pronominal (relating to pronouns) changes and change certain words denoting ‘nearness’ in the direct form to words suggesting ‘remoteness’ (in time and place) in the indirect form.
For example
(a) Riki said, “I’m hungry.”
(b) Riki said that he was hungry.
(c) Alexa said to Meena, “Have you visited your home town Puducherry?”
(d) Alexa asked Meena if she had visited her home town Puducherry.
In the sentences ‘b’ and ‘d’ there are changes of person (I-he Mena-you-she, you-her). The reporting verb ‘said’ has been changed to ‘asked’.
Some of the reporting verbs are: tell, ask, reply, warn, say, report,
answer, explain, exclaim, mention, promise, suggest, order, etc.
Example
(a) The doctor said to me, “Drink eight glasses of water to
avoid acidity.”
(b) The doctor told me to drink eight glasses of water to
avoid acidity.
(c) “Please don’t tell anybody about my illness”, Amita said
to me.
(d) Amita asked me not to tell anyone about her illness.
1. Read the passage (“Kisa Gotami had an only son, … a child, husband, parent or friend.”) from the text, ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ (page 134). Rewrite the paragraphs changing the direct speech into reported speech in the space given below.
2. Read the story given below. Change the direct speech into reported speech and rewrite the story in the space provided. Use the reporting verbs given above whenever necessary. You can use any other reporting verb you find suitable.
It is said, “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.”
Being happy does not require everything to be good but an eye to see good in everything. One day a crow saw a swan. “This swan is so white,” he thought, “and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world.”
The swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiestbird around. But I think the parrot is the happiest bird as it has two colours.” The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot said, “I have only two colours, but the peacock has multiple colours.”
The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day, thousands of people come to see you. You are the happiest bird on the planet.”
The peacock said, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But I am entrapped in this zoo. I have realised that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage, and could happily roam everywhere.”
Answers:
1. Passage from ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ (Page 134):
Original Text (Direct Speech): “Kisa Gotami had an only son, and he died. In her grief, she carried the dead child to all her neighbours, asking them for medicine, and the people said, ‘She has lost her senses. The boy is dead.’ At length, Kisa Gotami met a man who replied to her request: ‘I cannot give you medicine for your child, but I know a physician who can.’ And the poor woman said, ‘Pray tell me, sir; who is it?’ The man replied, ‘Go to Sakyamuni, the Buddha.’”
Converted Text (Reported Speech): Kisa Gotami had an only son, and he died. In her grief, she carried the dead child to all her neighbours, asking them for medicine. The people said that she had lost her senses, as the boy was dead. Eventually, Kisa Gotami met a man who replied to her request that he could not give her medicine for her child, but he knew a physician who could. The poor woman then asked him to pray and tell her who it was. The man replied that she should go to Sakyamuni, the Buddha.
2. Story – Happiness Comparison Among Birds:
Original Text (Direct Speech): One day a crow saw a swan. “This swan is so white,” he thought, “and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world.” The swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around. But I think the parrot is the happiest bird as it has two colours.” The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot said, “I have only two colours, but the peacock has multiple colours.” The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day, thousands of people come to see you. You are the happiest bird on the planet.” The peacock said, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But I am entrapped in this zoo. I have realised that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage, and could happily roam everywhere.”
Converted Text (Reported Speech): One day, a crow saw a swan and thought that the swan was so white, while he was so black, and thus, the swan must be the happiest bird in the world. The swan replied that it had once felt that it was the happiest bird around but believed that the parrot was actually the happiest bird because it had two colours. The crow then approached the parrot, who said that although it had only two colours, the peacock had multiple colours. Afterward, the crow visited a peacock in the zoo. The crow told the peacock that it was so beautiful and that every day, thousands of people came to see it, making it the happiest bird on the planet. The peacock, however, replied that it had always thought it was the most beautiful and happiest bird on the planet but was entrapped in the zoo. It had realised that the crow was the only bird not kept in a cage and could happily roam everywhere.
This is how you can convert direct speech into reported speech while ensuring proper use of reporting verbs, pronominal changes, and the shift in tenses.
Editing
1. 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 Devadatta sent a messenger claim the bird. But Siddhartha had saved its life. It did not belong to Devadutta who had tried to kill.
Answers
The Wild Geese
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, and one of the geese fell. It was wounded and fell right 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 had saved its life. It did not belong to Devadatta, who had tried to kill it.
Listening
1. 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.
The fascinating and world famous Sanchi stupa is located on a hilltop in
Sanchi town, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important Buddhist monuments that portrays Buddhist art and sculpture. Starting from the third century BC through the twelfth century AD, it attracts the attention of thousands of visitors round the year including national and foreign tourists, archaeologists, and historians among others.
This stupa is the oldest stone structure in India that was built during the Mauryan period. Originally commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, this huge hemispherical dome consists of a central chamber. In this chamber, the relics of Lord Buddha are placed. The original construction work of this stupa was supervised by Ashoka.
His wife, Devi, was the daughter of a merchant of nearby village, Vidisha. Sanchi was also her birthplace as well as the venue of her and Ashoka’s wedding. Later, four ornamental gateways or toranas facing four directions and a balustrade surrounding the stupa were added in the first century BCE. The Great stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone
structures in India and counted among the best conserved ancient stupas of Central India. It has been enlisted as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.
The sculptures on the ornamental gateways or toranas consist of decorative illustrations of events encompassing the life of Lord Buddha. These events are explained in the Jataka tales. The tree used here symbolises Lord Buddha. The most striking features regarding the stupa is that Lord Buddha has been depicted symbolically by figures like thrones, wheels, and footprints among others.
(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. ( )
Answers:
(a) Which Buddhist monument is referred to here and what does it portray?
The Buddhist monument referred to here is the Sanchi Stupa, and it portrays Buddhist art and sculpture.
(b) Who are the people who visit this Stupa throughout the year?
The people who visit the Sanchi Stupa throughout the year include national and foreign tourists, archaeologists, and historians.
(c) In which period was the Stupa built, and who commissioned it?
The Stupa was built during the Mauryan period in the third century BCE and was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka.
(d) Where is the central chamber in the Stupa? What is kept inside it?
The central chamber is located inside the hemispherical dome of the Stupa, and it contains the relics of Lord Buddha.
(e) What structures were added to the huge hemisphere in the first century BCE?
In the first century BCE, four ornamental gateways or toranas and a balustrade surrounding the stupa were added to the hemisphere.
(f) The toranas are decorated with: (Tick the right answer)
(b) events of Lord Buddha’s life (✔)
This is based on the narrative that the sculptures on the toranas illustrate events from the life of Lord Buddha, explained in the Jataka tales.
Speaking
It id 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.
Answers:
Possible Reasons for Someone’s Grief or Sorrow:
- Loss of a Loved One: The death of a family member, friend, or pet.
- Health Issues: Physical or mental illness, losing the ability to perform daily tasks, or cognitive decline.
- End of a Relationship: Breakup or drifting apart from a close friend.
- Failure or Rejection: Not achieving a goal, failing in exams, or being rejected for a desired position (e.g., head boy/girl).
- Loss of Opportunities: Being unable to participate in activities you enjoyed, such as sports or a hobby.
- Changes in Life: Moving to a new place, changing schools, or losing a sense of routine.
Ways to Overcome Grief or Sorrow:
- Talking to Someone: Sharing feelings with friends, family, or a counselor can help release emotions and gain support.
- Acceptance of Emotions: Allowing oneself to grieve and not rushing the process.
- Engaging in Positive Activities: Pursuing hobbies, exercising, or participating in social activities to shift focus and find joy.
- Seeking Professional Help: Therapy or counseling can help individuals deal with intense grief.
- Finding a New Routine: Re-establishing structure in life by setting small goals and trying to create new positive habits.
- Remembering Good Memories: Focusing on the good times rather than the loss.
After discussing these points with your friend, share your thoughts with the class. Mention that everyone experiences grief differently, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and others during these difficult times.
Writing
1. Write a paragraph on how you can help other s 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
focus on what you can do, like holding their hand, etc.—a solace or a consolation
2. 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.
Answers:
1. Helping Others in Grief
Grief can be expressed in various ways, such as sadness, withdrawal, or even anger. It is essential to observe these behaviors and understand that everyone grieves differently. When someone is grieving, reaching out with compassion is important, but it’s equally crucial to acknowledge that not everyone is ready to accept help. Some may prefer to keep their feelings private, and this needs to be respected. Others may need someone to talk to and share their thoughts and emotions. In such cases, offering a listening ear and being present without judgment can be incredibly supportive. Sometimes, simply being there—whether by holding their hand or sitting with them—can provide a sense of solace. The focus should be on what you can do to provide comfort, showing care and empathy, even in small ways.
2. Summary of the Poems from First Flight (Page 138–139)
Kahlil Gibran’s Poem
In this poem, Kahlil Gibran reflects on the nature of pain and joy. He suggests that our sorrows and joys are interlinked, and we cannot fully experience one without understanding the other. He emphasizes that pain is a part of personal growth and transformation, and through pain, we find depth in our existence. The poet wants us to accept pain as a teacher in life, helping us appreciate the beauty of joy.
Rabindranath Tagore’s Poem
Rabindranath Tagore’s poem focuses on the idea of giving and selflessness. He expresses that when we give with love and sincerity, it brings fulfillment not only to the receiver but also to the giver. The poet believes that the act of giving with a pure heart is the true essence of life. Tagore encourages us to embrace generosity and kindness as a means to enrich both our lives and the lives of others.
These poems highlight different aspects of human experience, with Gibran focusing on the importance of understanding pain, while Tagore emphasizes the joy in selflessness and giving.
Project
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.
IIIustrate the stories and display the collage in your class.
Answers:
Project: Jataka Tales Collection and Comic Strip
Step 1: Form a Group Work with a group of four classmates. Each group member can take responsibility for different parts of the project such as collecting stories, illustrating, writing, and creating the collage.
Step 2: Collect Jataka Tales
Look for six Jataka tales, which describe the previous lives of Gautama Buddha, both in human and animal forms. Some popular Jataka tales are:
- The Monkey King – Buddha in the form of a wise monkey who sacrifices himself to save his fellow monkeys.
- The Deer King – Buddha as a deer who saves a human and teaches him compassion.
- The Wise Rabbit – Buddha in the form of a rabbit who offers himself to be eaten by a beggar to demonstrate selflessness.
- The Golden Swan – Buddha as a golden swan who helps a poor family but is later betrayed.
- The Banyan Deer – Buddha as a deer who volunteers to sacrifice himself to save other animals.
- The Elephant King – Buddha as an elephant who provides food and help to humans during tough times.
Step 3: Rewrite the Stories
Rewrite these stories in your own words, ensuring they are simple, clear, and engaging. Focus on the key message or moral lesson from each tale.
Example:
The Wise Rabbit In a forest, a wise rabbit lived with many animals. One day, a beggar came looking for food. The rabbit, who had no food to offer, told the beggar, “You can eat me.” He threw himself into the fire, but instead of burning, a miracle happened! The rabbit was unharmed, and the beggar was deeply moved by the rabbit’s kindness and selflessness. This story shows the value of self-sacrifice and kindness.
Step 4: Develop a Comic Strip
Once the stories are written, divide them into panels for a comic strip format. Each panel should illustrate key moments of the story, with dialogue or captions. The comic strip can bring the tales to life with creative visuals.
Tips for the Comic Strip:
- Panel 1: Introduce the main character (Buddha in a previous life).
- Panel 2-4: Show the problem or conflict.
- Panel 5-6: Display the resolution, where Buddha teaches a lesson or performs a kind act.
Step 5: Make a Collage
Create a large collage with:
- Illustrations from the stories or comic strips.
- Summaries of the stories.
- Artistic Elements like cutouts, drawings, and printed images.
- Use bright colors and clear labels to make the collage attractive and informative.
Step 6: Present and Display
Once your collage and comic strips are complete, display them in your classroom. Share the stories with your classmates and explain the key morals from each Jataka tale.
This project not only enhances storytelling but also promotes creativity, teamwork, and understanding of Buddhist teachings.