Words and Expressions Unit 10 - The Sermon at Benares

Let’s Begin:

1. In the lesson ‘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 warning, a lecture.

(a) Discuss with your classmates the context to which the present text belongs.

The chapter ‘The Sermon at Benaras’ discusses the religious preaching of Lord Buddha on life, death, suffering, immortality etc. The word ‘Sermon’ here has been used in reference to a talk on a religious on moral subject.

(b) What could be the examples for the different context according to you?

Examples for the different contexts are:

(1) a talk on a religious or moral subject

Example – A speech delivered by a philanthropist or a spiritual leader on subjects concerning the truth about human existence and its connection with the Divine matrix.

(2) a long or monotonous piece of admonition or caution or a warning, a lecture.

Example – A piece of advice given to a child by his parents on the right kind of conduct to be demonstrated and maintained before the guests.

(c) When your parents or elders say something, you say, “Oh, not again!” When do you say so and why?

When parents or elders tell you to be careful on the road, behave properly in front of guests, or give advice about sensitive matters like marriage or relationships, children often react by saying, “Oh, not again!” The reason could be that children feel they already know these things and don’t need advice. They may also think elders are trying to limit their freedom by always telling them how to behave.

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 Scott Holland (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

Differences

The Sermon at Benaras is Buddha’s preaching at Benaras, while Death is Nothing at All is a sermon by Canon Henry Scott Holland in London (1910).
Buddha addressed Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother; Canon Holland spoke to a church congregation.
Buddha called death unavoidable for all mortals; Canon Holland described death as a small, negligible accident.
Buddha taught that grieving only causes suffering; Canon Holland suggested one should laugh off troubles and stay happy, as nothing really changes after death.

Similarities

Both sermons share the theme that death is inevitable for all living beings.
Both teach that one should not grieve over death, as lamenting cannot bring back the dead and only causes pain. They stress remaining happy despite loss.

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, His Holiness, The Dalai Lama)

1. According to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama what should we do if we want a happier humanity?

According to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama we must tackle the root of the problem if we want a happier humanity.

2. Where does the ultimate cause of the problem lie?

The ultimate cause of the problem lies with in the human mind.

3. “What I call human feeling, then ‘it’ is very useful.” What is ‘it’ referred to here?

Intelligence accompanied with human affection and compassion.

4. Why does the Dalai Lama say that proper motivation is important?

He said so because according to him every human action, verbal or physical, evern minor actions, have some motivation. Proper motivation will yield positive results.

5. Why is there a requirement of correlation between the intention of an individual and the interest of society?

The intentions of an individual are very much related to the interests of the society. If society’s moral values and standards of behaviour become negative, each of us will suffer.

6. What does His Holiness, the Dalai Lama mean by “spiritual development”?

By spiritual development he means having a good and compassionate heart.

7. A compassionate heart brings

(a) _________________

(b) _________________

Answer:

(a) inner strength

(b) Self confidence

Text – II

Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow.

Father Gilligan 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;”

And 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 angels 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.”

- W.B.Yeats

1. Why did Father Gilligan cry “my body spake, not I”?

Father Gilligan was always ready to give spiritual help to the sick and dying in his parish, but he was physically exhausted and very tired from too much work.

2. “The moth-hour of eve”, “the moth hour went” and “the moths came once more” establish a link. They suggest –

(а) the movement of moths.

(b) the passage of time. ✔

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?

An old man was dying while Father Gilligan had fallen asleep in his chair. When he woke up, he rushed to the dying man. He rode quickly through rocky paths and wet land, not caring about his own or his horse’s safety.

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.

5. Why did Father Gilligan kneel down when he heard the sick man’s wife say “When you were gone…” ?

When the sick man’s wife spoke, Father Gilligan felt deep regret for not being there to comfort the dying man. He knelt down as a sign of repentance.

6. How did God help when “the least of things” was in need

Hearing the sick man’s wife, Father Gilligan felt sorry for not being present to give comfort. He knelt down to show his repentance.

Vocabulary:

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 _________________

(d) found _________________

(e) cheered _________________

(f) lively _________________

(g) calm _________________

Answer:

(a) befit

(b) sorrow

(d) lost

(e) grieved

(f) weary

(g) cried

2. Use a dictionary to find out four words each having the meaning nearest to the ones given below.

Example:

wandered – stroll dawdle drift roam

(а) vowed – ___ ___ ___ ___

(b) preached – ___ ___ ___ ___

(d) awakened – ___ ___ ___ ___

(e) enlightened

(f) reigned – ___ ___ ___ ___

Answer:

(a) pledged, committed, deposed, promised

(b) proclaimed, sermonized, evangelized, advocated

(d) enlightened, aroused, roused, stimulated

(e) illuminated, learned, knowledgeable, informed

(f) ruled, governed, influenced, dominated

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.

(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, Meena-you-she, your-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.

(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.

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 that she had lost her senses as the boy was dead.

At length, Kisa Gotami met a man who replied to her request and said that he could not give the medicine for her child but he knew a physician who could.

And the girl asked the man to tell him who it was. The man told him to go to Salyamuni the Buddha.

Kisa Gotami repaired to the Buddha and requested him to give the medicine that would cure her boy.

The Buddha said that he wanted a handful of mustard-seed. And when the girl in her joy promised to procure it, the Buddha said that the mustard-seed must be taken from a house where no one had lost a child, husband, parent or friend.

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 wherever 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 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.”

Answer:

It is said that it is not how much we have but how much we enjoy it that makes happiness. Being happy doesnot require everything to be good but an eye to see good in everything. One day a crow saw a swan. He thought to himself that swan was so white and he was so black; she must be the happiest bird in the world.

The swan replied that she was feeling that she was the happiest bird around. But she thought that the parrot was the happiest bird as it had two colours. The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot said that he had only two colours but the peacock had multiple colours.

The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and said to him that he was very beautiful. Every day, thousands of people came to see him. He was the happiest bird on the planet. The peacock said that he had always thought that he was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But he was entrapped in that zoo. He had realised that the crow was the only bird not kept in cage and could happily roam everywhere.

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 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:

The Wild Geese:

One day, Prince Siddhartha was going to the royal gardens on his way along 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 just in front of Siddhartha. His heart was filled with compassion when he saw the poor bird bleeding profusely. He lifted it and he drew the arrow out very carefully 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 Devadutta 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 ini India and counted among the best conserved ancient; stupas of Central India. It has been enlisted as a 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?

Sanchi stupa is referred to here. It portrays Buddhist art and sculpture.

(b) Who are the people who visit this Stupa throughout the year?

National and foreign tourists, archaeologists, and historiAnswer:

(c) In which period the Stupa was built, and who commissioned it?

The stupa was built during the Mauryan period. It was commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka.

(d) Where is the central chamber in the Stupa? What is kept inside it?

The hemispherical dome consists of a central chamber. The relics of Lord Buddha are kept inside it.

(e) What structures were added to the huge hemisphere in first century BCE?

Four ornamental gateways or toranas facing four directions and a balustrade surrounding the stupa were added to the huge hemisphere in first centre BCE.

(f) The toranas are decorated with: (Tick the right answer)

(a) stone ornaments ( )

(b) events of Lord Buddha’s life ( )

(d) symbolic depiction of Lord Buddha as throne, wheel, footprints, etc. ( )

Answer:

(a) X

(b) ✓

(d) ✓

Speaking:

It is important to know that everyone has some problem or other, and they grieve in unique ways. Your grief is different from 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.

The possible reasons for someone’s grief or sorrow are :

death of a close friend, relative or a family member
failure in examinations
failure in job interviews
Inability to find a suitable employment
financial distress
Marital disharmony
Physical and mental impairment
Lack of basic amenities of life
loss of friendship
Ways to overcome the grief arising out of any of the causes listed above :

People should understand that ups and downs are a natural part of life. Instead of feeling depressed or mourning failures and losses, they must gather courage and determination to face challenges and find solutions. Rather than reacting with anger or irritation, they should control their emotions to think clearly. Engaging in recreational activities can provide healthy distractions. Focusing on the positive aspects of life helps build hope and strength. Simple activities like listening to music, pursuing a hobby, going out, or spending time with family can uplift the mind and make it easier to overcome difficulties with positivity.

Writing:

1. 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

Life is full of challenges. Sometimes we feel happy and satisfied, but at other times we go through painful phases that affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. When people experience grief, their behaviour changes, but everyone reacts differently. Some people become quiet and choose to stay alone. They prefer isolation until they are able to control their emotions and return to normal life. In such cases, it is best to give them space and time.

On the other hand, some people want comfort. They feel better when they can share their feelings with others who listen patiently. For them, emotional support is important. We should show care through kind words and gestures, and stand by them until they recover. By giving them positivity, confidence, and strength, we can help them overcome grief and move forward in life.

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.

Poem 1. Joy and Sorrow

Summary : The poet wants to convey that the more a person works hard, faces challenges, endures pain, and goes through sufferings, the more they can truly enjoy the happiness of life. People who experience deep sorrows are better able to value and appreciate joy. The poet also says that we must accept both joy and sorrow as natural parts of life. Life always brings both—when one ends, the other follows. We should remain thankful even for sorrows, as they teach us important virtues and help us grow.

Poem 2:

Summary : The poet’s message is that we should not just feel thankful when grief is absent from our lives. Grief, in fact, helps us grow as a person and brings positive changes. It teaches us good qualities that shape and polish us into better human beings. When we face and overcome grief, we learn how to handle life’s difficulties. We also become more patient, tolerant, and emotionally strong. Most importantly, grief makes us value the good in life and see things with a positive outlook.

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.
Illustrate the stories and display the collage in your class.

Answer: Do it yourself