The Sermon at Benares Notes Class 10
Name of the Writer-
Betty Renshaw
SUMMARY
The Sermon at Benares beautifully portrays the profound teachings of Lord Buddha. Gautama Buddha, born into a royal family in North India, experienced a life of privilege as a prince. At the age of twelve, he was sent to a distant place to study the sacred scriptures of Hinduism. After four years, he returned and married a princess, and together they were blessed with a son. For the following decade, they lived within the confines of their royal existence, shielded from the hardships of the outside world.
One fateful day, while on a hunting expedition, the Prince encountered an ailing man, an elderly individual, a funeral procession, and a beggar monk. These encounters deeply moved him, prompting a profound realization of the sorrows and suffering present in life. Motivated by this newfound understanding, he renounced his royal life and embarked on a quest for enlightenment. After seven years of spiritual seeking, he achieved salvation, taking refuge beneath a tree he named the ‘Bodhi Tree,’ symbolizing wisdom. From this point forward, he dedicated himself to preaching and sharing his profound insights. He became known as the Buddha, meaning “the Awakened” or “the Enlightened.”
His first sermon was delivered in the sacred city of Benares, situated on the banks of the river Ganges. During this time, a woman named Kisa Gotami, who had tragically lost her son, endured immense suffering and sought remedies to bring her child back to life. She traversed from house to house in search of a cure, causing many to perceive her as mentally distraught.
CONCLUSION
the Sermon at Benares presents a captivating narrative of Gautama Buddha’s transformative journey. Starting from a life of privilege as a prince, he was sheltered from the harsh realities of the world. However, a pivotal encounter with human suffering stirred a deep awakening within him, propelling him on a quest for enlightenment.
Through years of dedicated spiritual exploration, the Prince attained salvation and embraced the role of a teacher and guide. Under the shade of the Bodhi Tree, he shared his profound insights and teachings, earning him the revered title of the Buddha. His inaugural sermon in the holy city of Benares marked the beginning of his mission to alleviate human suffering and impart wisdom.
Within this narrative, the story of Kisa Gotami exemplifies the anguish and desperation experienced by individuals confronted with loss. Her relentless pursuit of a cure for her deceased son symbolizes the universal yearning for restoration and relief.
The Sermon at Benares stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, self-discovery, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. It encapsulates the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings, inspiring generations to seek enlightenment and find solace in the profound wisdom he shared with the world.
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