The Sermon at Benares by Gautama Buddha: Complete Guide

Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of Gautama Buddha with our comprehensive guide on “The Sermon at Benares.” This guide not only covers a concise summary but also provides an in-depth exploration of key themes, word meanings, and thought-provoking questions. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams or simply curious about Buddha’s wisdom, this guide offers valuable insights in both Hindi and Urdu. Furthermore, discover the universal truths about life, death, and suffering, and learn how to apply these timeless lessons to your own life. This guide is perfect for Class 10 English students and anyone interested in spiritual enlightenment.

Summary of The Sermon at Benares by Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha’s Early Life

Gautama Buddha, originally Prince Siddhartha, lived a luxurious life as royalty in ancient India. At 25, his life changed when he encountered the harsh realities of illness, old age, death, and a monk’s peace. This led him to leave his palace and seek the truth about human suffering. After years of wandering and meditation under the Bodhi tree, he achieved enlightenment and became “The Buddha.”

The Story of Kisa Gotami

In Benares, Buddha shared his teachings with those who sought wisdom. Among them was Kisa Gotami, a grief-stricken mother whose only child had died. Desperate for a cure, she approached Buddha, hoping he could revive her son. Buddha told her to bring a handful of mustard seeds, but with a condition: they had to come from a house untouched by death.

Kisa Gotami visited many homes, but each family had experienced loss. Slowly, she realised that death spares no one. This understanding helped her accept her own loss. She returned to Buddha, who explained the universal truth of mortality.

Buddha’s Teachings on Life and Death

Buddha taught that life is full of suffering and impermanence. All living beings, like ripe fruits, are bound to decay and death. Mourning does not bring back the dead; instead, it increases sorrow. He advised letting go of grief to attain peace and wisdom. By surrendering selfish attachments, one can find the path to enlightenment.

This sermon emphasises that suffering is universal, but wisdom and acceptance can lead to freedom from sorrow. Buddha’s message remains relevant as a guide to dealing with loss and finding inner peace.

Themes in “The Sermon at Benares” by Gautama Buddha

1. Impermanence of Life:
   • This story shows that life is only temporal and in constant flux. Everything exists, even human life, in a temporal perspective. The point of teaching the readers is to tell them that knowing this, and thus embracing the reality, can be helpful for better facing loss and change.
2. Universal Nature of Suffering:
   • The common feature between human beings is their experience of suffering. When it comes to Kisa Gotami’s story, each household can boast having been confronted by death as nothing can evade it; it has the universalistic stamp upon it, hence underlines sympathy and that everyone experiences exactly like each other.
3. Acceptance of Death:
   • Death is thus a natural part of life. This concept is encapsulated in Buddha’s teachings to Kisa Gotami, where he conveyed that embracing this reality can lessen personal suffering and contribute to a more serene existence.
4. Detachment:
   • Buddha teaches the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and desires. By letting go of personal attachments, individuals can overcome grief and suffering. This theme encourages a focus on spiritual growth and inner tranquility rather than material possessions.
5. Compassion and Empathy:
   • The story thus encourages people to be kind and sympathetic towards others. Knowing that everyone at one point in their lives suffers or loses something makes people more compassionate and sympathetic. So, this theme teaches that human relationships need sympathy and emotional support.
6. Search for Enlightenment:
   • The quest for understanding and enlightenment is central to Buddha’s teachings. Consequently, the story guides individuals towards spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering. Furthermore, this theme underscores the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom to ultimately achieve a higher state of consciousness and peace.

Word Meaning of The Sermon at Benares

Words/Expressions	Meaning
Sermon	A religious or moral talk given by a teacher or leader.
Enlightenment	A state of great knowledge or spiritual understanding.
Bodhi Tree	The tree under which Buddha meditated and gained enlightenment.
Afflicted	Suffering from pain, illness, or trouble.
Lamentation	Expression of deep sorrow or grief, usually by crying or mourning.
Mustard seed	Small seeds of the mustard plant, used as a symbol of something common.
Procure	To obtain or get something, especially with effort.
Desolation	A state of sadness and emptiness, often caused by loss or tragedy.
Mortals	Human beings, especially emphasising that they are subject to death.
Valley of desolation	A metaphor for deep sorrow or suffering.
Composed	Calm and peaceful, free from emotional disturbance.
Surrendered	Gave up or let go of something, often for a higher purpose.
Inscrutable	Difficult to understand or interpret.
Earthen vessels	Pots or containers made of clay, used as a metaphor for fragile human life.
Selfishness	Thinking only of oneself, without regard for others.
Decay	Gradual breakdown or deterioration, often due to ageing or neglect.
Kinsmen	Family members or relatives.
Grieve	To feel deep sorrow, especially because of a loss.
Blessed	Filled with happiness and peace, often through spiritual means.

Thinking About the Text (Q&A of The Sermon at Benares)

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

Very Short Answer Type:
She asks for medicine to bring her dead son back to life. She does not get it because no such medicine exists.

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?

Short Answer Type:
Kisa Gotami asks for mustard seeds from a house untouched by death. She does not get them because every house she visits has experienced the loss of a loved one.

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?

Short Answer Type:
The second time, Kisa Gotami understands that death is universal and inevitable. Consequently, she realizes that everyone faces loss. Yes, this is exactly what Buddha wanted her to understand about life and death.

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

Long Answer Type:
Initially, Kisa Gotami was blinded by her sorrow and could not think rationally. The Buddha’s condition to find a mustard seed from a house unaffected by death led her to interact with others who had also suffered losses. This experience helped her understand the universality of death and shifted her perspective from personal grief to acceptance.

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

Long Answer Type:
Selfishness often means focusing only on personal needs or feelings. Kisa Gotami’s realisation of being ‘selfish in her grief’ refers to her initial inability to see beyond her pain and understand others’ suffering. Her grief was natural, but her transformation shows that self-awareness and empathy can lead to inner peace.

Thinking About Language

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
  Modern: “give you medicine for your child”
• Pray tell me
  Modern: “Please tell me”
• Kisa repaired to the Buddha
  Modern: “Kisa went to the Buddha”
• there was no house but someone had died in it
  Modern: “There was no house where no one had died”
• kinsmen
  Modern: “relatives or family members”
• Mark!
  Modern: “Listen carefully!” or “Pay attention!”

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.

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?

Original: 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.

Split into three simple sentences:

1. There is no way for those who are born to avoid dying.
2. After reaching old age, there is death.
3. This is the nature of living beings.

Better rhythm:
The three simple sentences have a clearer rhythm for younger readers because they make the meaning more straightforward. However, the single sentence with semicolons provides a more formal and flowing style suitable for reflective or philosophical texts.

Speaking

Do you think the Buddha’s ideas and way of teaching continue to hold meaning for us? Or have we found better ways to deal with grief?

Comparison of Buddha’s Sermon with Modern Texts

Buddha’s Sermon on Grief

Buddha teaches that grief stems from our attachment and selfishness. Moreover, he emphasizes the universality of suffering and death, advising acceptance as the path to inner peace. Consequently, by letting go of selfish attachments, one can achieve freedom from sorrow. Ultimately, his message focuses on a rational understanding of life’s impermanence.

Text I: A Guide to Coping with the Death of a Loved One

This text explains grief as a natural emotional response. It lists common feelings like sadness, anger, and loneliness and offers practical advice on supporting others during grief. The focus is on recognising emotions and seeking comfort in relationships and shared experiences.

Text II: Good Grief by Amitai Etzioni

This personal account rejects the notion of a “correct” way to grieve. It suggests finding solace in actions and mutual support rather than fixating on loss. The idea of focusing on the “what” instead of the “why” encourages survivors to engage with life through meaningful activities.

Do Buddha’s Teachings Hold Meaning Today?

Buddha’s teachings remain relevant as they provide a timeless perspective on the inevitability of death and the need for acceptance. His focus on detachment can help individuals find peace, especially in cultures that value spiritual growth.

However, modern texts highlight the emotional complexities of grief, addressing anger, guilt, and loneliness. They offer practical, empathetic approaches suited to individuals who seek connection and support in their healing process.

Conclusion

While Buddha’s ideas provide profound philosophical guidance, modern methods address the diverse emotional needs of grieving individuals. Both approaches are valuable, and their effectiveness depends on personal beliefs and coping styles. Combining Buddha’s wisdom with modern emotional support systems can create a holistic way to deal with grief.

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

Writing

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

Helping Each Other to Get Over Difficult Times

In life, difficult times are inevitable. Challenges such as loss, failure, or emotional pain can leave a person feeling isolated and broken. During such moments, the support of others becomes a powerful source of healing. Simple acts of kindness—listening without judgment, offering encouragement, or just being present—can provide immense relief. The Buddha’s teaching, as seen in The Sermon at Benares, highlights the value of understanding and acceptance, which can guide us when helping others cope with their grief or hardships.

Sharing experiences also strengthens connections. As described in Good Grief, Amitai Etzioni found solace in supporting his grieving family after tragic losses. Engaging in meaningful activities like taking care of loved ones or creating small moments of happiness helped them navigate their pain. Similarly, mutual empathy can foster resilience. Whether it’s lending a shoulder to cry on or helping someone find purpose again, these actions show that pain shared is pain halved.

Helping each other also benefits the helper. It creates a sense of purpose and strengthens relationships. Knowing that our support has made a difference can be deeply fulfilling. Difficult times test not only our strength but also our compassion and humanity. By standing together, we can face challenges with courage and hope, making life’s burdens lighter and its joys more meaningful.

Important Questions from “The Sermon at Benares” by Gautama Buddha

Why did Kisa Gotami go to Buddha?

Kisa Gotami went to Buddha, seeking a way to bring her dead son back to life. Consequently, Buddha asked her to find a mustard seed from a house where no one had died.

What lesson did Kisa Gotami learn?

Kisa Gotami went to Buddha, seeking a way to bring her dead son back to life. Consequently, Buddha asked her to find a mustard seed from a house where no one had died.

Why did Buddha choose Benares for his first sermon?

Buddha chose Benares because it was a holy city. He wanted to share his wisdom on suffering and the path to enlightenment in a place of spiritual significance.

What did Buddha say about grief?

Buddha taught that grieving only increases pain. Therefore, he advised that one should accept the reality of death and, consequently, move on to find peace.

How did Kisa Gotami’s search for a mustard seed end?

Kisa Gotami’s search ended in realization. After all, she couldn’t find a single house where no one had died, thus helping her understand the commonality of death.

What is the main message of “The Sermon at Benares”?

The main message, therefore, is the impermanence of life and, consequently, the importance of accepting death as a natural part of existence to overcome sorrow.

How did Buddha attain enlightenment?

Buddha attained enlightenment by meditating under a Bodhi tree. He realized the truths about life, suffering, and the path to liberation.

What did Buddha do after enlightenment?

After enlightenment, Buddha began teaching others. He shared his insights on overcoming suffering and achieving peace.

Why was Kisa Gotami sad?

Kisa Gotami was sad because her only son had died. She was desperate to find a way to bring him back to life.

What did Buddha want to teach Kisa Gotami?

Buddha wanted to teach Kisa Gotami that death is inevitable. He aimed to help her understand that accepting this truth is essential for inner peace.

Explanation of “The Sermon at Benares” by Gautama Buddha in Hindi

“बनारस का उपदेश” गौतम बुद्ध द्वारा दिया गया एक महत्वपूर्ण उपदेश है। इस उपदेश में, बुद्ध ने जीवन, मृत्यु और दुख के बारे में गहन संदेश दिया है।

इस कहानी में, एक महिला जिसका नाम किसा गौतमी था, अपने इकलौते बेटे की मृत्यु से बहुत दुखी थी। वह अपने बेटे को जीवित करने का उपाय खोजने के लिए बुद्ध के पास गई। बुद्ध ने उसे एक सरसों का बीज लाने को कहा, लेकिन शर्त यह थी कि वह बीज ऐसे घर से लाना होगा जहाँ कभी किसी की मृत्यु न हुई हो।

किसा गौतमी ने बहुत से घरों में जाकर पूछा, लेकिन उसे ऐसा कोई घर नहीं मिला जहाँ किसी की मृत्यु न हुई हो। अंततः उसने समझा कि मृत्यु एक सार्वभौमिक सत्य है और हर किसी को इसका सामना करना पड़ता है।

बुद्ध का संदेश यह था कि हमें जीवन की अनित्यता को स्वीकार करना चाहिए और अपने दुखों से ऊपर उठकर शांति प्राप्त करनी चाहिए। उन्होंने सिखाया कि दुख में डूबे रहने से केवल और अधिक पीड़ा होती है, और हमें सत्य को स्वीकार कर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए।

इस प्रकार, “बनारस का उपदेश” हमें जीवन की अनित्यता और मृत्यु की अपरिहार्यता को समझने और स्वीकार करने की शिक्षा देता है। यह उपदेश आज भी प्रासंगिक है और हमें अपने दुखों से उबरने और शांति प्राप्त करने का मार्ग दिखाता है।

Explanation of “The Sermon at Benares” by Gautama Buddha in Urdu