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I. Chapter Summary

The Sermon at Benares is an excerpt about the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The chapter highlights the turning point in Prince Siddhartha’s life—when he saw human suffering in the form of old age, sickness, and death, which led him to renounce worldly pleasures. After years of meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became Buddha, the awakened one.

The sermon discussed in the chapter was delivered at Benares (Varanasi). Buddha teaches about the inevitability of death and the importance of detachment. Through the story of Kisa Gotami, a mother who loses her only child, he conveys that death is a universal truth, and wisdom lies in accepting this reality. Kisa Gotami realizes that grief can be overcome only by understanding that no one is exempt from death.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Inevitability of Death	Everyone who is born must die—this is a universal truth.
Detachment	One must rise above worldly attachments to overcome sorrow.
Spiritual Enlightenment	The path to peace lies in understanding life and accepting death.
Compassion and Wisdom	True wisdom is in helping others and accepting nature’s law.
Suffering and Peace	Suffering is part of human life; peace comes from self-realization.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?
   • a) Lumbini
   • b) Sarnath (Benares)
   • c) Bodh Gaya
   • d) Kapilavastu
   •  Answer: b) Sarnath (Benares)
2. What was the main teaching of the sermon at Benares?
   • a) Knowledge is power
   • b) Death is inevitable
   • c) Prayer brings peace
   • d) Wealth cannot buy happiness
   •  Answer: b) Death is inevitable
3. What did Kisa Gotami ask for?
   • a) A job
   • b) Her son’s life back
   • c) Medicine to cure her son
   • d) Buddha’s blessing
   •  Answer: c) Medicine to cure her son
4. What condition did Buddha set for helping Kisa Gotami?
   • a) To meditate for seven days
   • b) To bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had died
   • c) To bring holy water
   • d) To give up her son’s body
   •  Answer: b) To bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had died

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Why did Kisa Gotami go to Gautama Buddha? (PYQ – 2021)
2. What realization did Kisa Gotami come to after visiting many houses?
3. What lesson did Buddha aim to teach through the mustard seed story?
4. How did the death of her son change Kisa Gotami’s understanding of life?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. How did Gautama Buddha’s life change after he witnessed suffering? (PYQ – 2020)
2. Describe Kisa Gotami’s journey from despair to wisdom.
3. What message does “The Sermon at Benares” convey to the reader?
4. How does the story reflect Buddhist philosophy and its relevance even today?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Do you think understanding the law of nature can reduce human suffering? Justify with reference to the text.
2. If you were in Kisa Gotami’s place, how would you react after hearing Buddha’s condition?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

While this is a prose text with no formulas, key spiritual/philosophical terms and concepts include:

• Enlightenment: State of true understanding about life and self.
• Detachment (Vairagya): Emotional separation from material and mortal ties.
• Impermanence: Everything in life is transient and subject to change.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
The Sermon at Benares	6–8 marks	MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2020	5	How did Gautama Buddha’s encounter with human suffering shape his teachings?
2021	2	Why did Kisa Gotami visit Gautama Buddha? What did she want?
2019	3	What is the message of the mustard seed incident?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• Grief Counselling: The text’s message is useful in helping people cope with loss.
• Philosophy and Ethics: Students learn about spiritual detachment and peace.
• Mindfulness & Wellness: The lesson ties into meditation, peace of mind, and accepting change.
• History of Religion: Provides background on Buddhism and its global influence.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Divide the story into two phases: Buddha’s Life and Kisa Gotami’s Story.
• Use a concept map for Buddha’s teachings and their impact.

 Exam Preparation

• Prepare theme-based answers using terms like “impermanence,” “detachment,” and “grief.”
• Practice moral-based questions with real-life connections.

 Stress Management

• Practice 5-minute daily mindfulness or reflection exercises inspired by Buddha’s teachings.
• Write or discuss your own thoughts on dealing with loss and change.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration

For Classes 9–10

Streams Overview:

• Arts: Philosophy, psychology, literature.
• Science: Cognitive sciences, emotional well-being studies.
• Commerce: Corporate ethics and leadership with mindfulness practices.

Career Paths:

• Psychologist / Counselor
• Philosopher / Professor of Religious Studies
• Writer / Public Speaker on Mindfulness
• Therapist using spiritual or meditative tools

Foundation Exams:

• NTSE
• Moral Education Quizzes
• Essay Competitions on Peace, Compassion, and Life Lessons

XI. Important Notes

•  For the latest updates, always refer to ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in.
•  This chapter is often used for value-based and moral reasoning questions.
•  Practice questions on philosophical themes, character reflections, and real-life relevance.