What is a sermon? Is it different from a lecture or a talk? Can this word also be used in a negative way or as a joke (as in “my mother’s sermon about getting my work done on time…”)?
Suggested Answer: A sermon is a serious talk on moral or religious subjects, usually given by a religious leader. Unlike a regular lecture or talk, it often aims to inspire or guide spiritually. Yes, it can also be used humorously or negatively to mean a long or nagging speech, like “my mother’s sermon about doing homework.”
Have you heard of the Sermon on the Mount? Who delivered it? Who do you think delivered a sermon at Benares?
Suggested Answer: es, the Sermon on the Mount was delivered by Jesus Christ. The Sermon at Benares was delivered by Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment.
When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get it? Why not?
Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami goes from house to house asking for a mustard seed from a house where no one has ever died. She does not get it, because death has visited every family.
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?
Suggested Answer: The second time, Kisa Gotami again asks for a mustard seed from a house where no one has died. She does not get it because she realizes that death is common to all, and no house is untouched by it.
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?
Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami understands that death is universal, and no one can escape it. Everyone must face the loss of loved ones. Yes, this is exactly what the Buddha wanted her to realize—that grieving is natural, but one must accept death as a part of life.
Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?
Suggested Answer: Kisa Gotami understood the truth only the second time because her grief had blinded her initially. The Buddha didn’t explain death directly—he asked her to find mustard seeds from a house where no one had died. When she failed, she realized that death is a common experience. This thoughtful method helped her understand the reality of life and loss more deeply.
How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief’?
Suggested Answer: Selfishness usually means thinking only about our own needs and not others'. I agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being selfish in her grief. In her pain, she forgot that death is universal and only focused on her loss. The Buddha helped her realise that others suffer too, and understanding this helped her let go of her sorrow.
The Buddha’s sermon is over 2500 years old. Refer the following two recent texts on the topic of grief: 1. A Guide to Coping with the Death of a Loved One and 2. Good Grief by AMITAI ETZIONI.
Read the texts, comparing them with each other and with the Buddha’s sermon. 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?
Suggested Answer: The Buddha’s sermon, A Guide to Coping with the Death of a Loved One, and Good Grief by Amitai Etzioni all deal with understanding and accepting loss. The Buddha teaches that death is a natural and universal truth. The NCERT guide offers emotional support and coping strategies, while Good Grief encourages accepting sorrow instead of avoiding it.
Though modern texts use psychological terms, the core message remains the same — grief is natural, and healing begins with acceptance. The Buddha’s calm, story-based approach still resonates. His teachings continue to hold meaning as they speak to the timeless human experience of loss, even if today we use different tools and words to express it.
Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea
Suggested Answer: Teaching someone to understand a new or difficult idea requires patience, empathy, and clarity. Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to explain the concept in a simple and relatable way. Using examples or stories can help make abstract ideas easier to understand. Like the Buddha in The Sermon at Benares, who taught Kisa Gotami through a story about a mustard seed, good teachers guide learners step by step.
Sometimes, people resist new ideas because they are emotionally overwhelmed or deeply attached to old beliefs. In such cases, the teacher must gently lead them toward understanding, allowing time for the idea to sink in. Encouraging questions and discussion also helps.
True teaching happens not just through words, but also through compassion. When we understand what the learner is feeling and thinking, we can connect with them better and help them grow. Teaching is not only about giving knowledge — it is about inspiring understanding.
Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Helping each other to get over difficult times
Suggested Answer: Everyone goes through difficult times at some point in life. In such moments, having someone by your side can make a big difference. Whether it’s by offering kind words, simply listening, or helping with small tasks, being there for someone can help ease their burden. In The Sermon at Benares, the Buddha taught that suffering is a part of life, but we can face it better when we understand we are not alone.
When we share our struggles, we realise that others have faced similar pain. Kisa Gotami, for example, learned that death is a part of every family’s life. This helped her come to terms with her grief. Similarly, helping each other builds a sense of community and comfort.
Supporting others during tough times not only helps them but also strengthens our own ability to cope. By showing compassion and understanding, we make the world a kinder place.
Write a page (about three paragraphs) on the following topic (use ideas from The Sermon at Benares if relevant) - Thinking about oneself as unique, or as one among billions of others
Suggested Answer: Each of us is unique, with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We often see our problems as the biggest and feel that no one else could understand them. However, as The Sermon at Benares teaches us, suffering is a part of every human life. When Kisa Gotami lost her son, she believed her sorrow was unique. But the Buddha helped her realise that death touches everyone and no one is spared from pain.
This doesn’t mean we are not special. We all have different qualities and abilities that make us who we are. But remembering that we are one among billions helps us develop empathy and humility. It reminds us to value others’ experiences too.
So, while it is important to recognise our uniqueness, it is equally important to understand our shared human journey. This balance helps us grow with kindness and wisdom.