Table of Content
Story Summary: The Sermon at Benares
A woman named Kisa Gotami, stricken by grief over her only son’s death, sought medicine to bring him back to life. When the Buddha met her, he asked her to bring mustard seeds from a household that had never experienced death. As she searched, she realized that death had touched every family, and she could not find a household untouched by it. This led her to the understanding that death is inevitable and affects everyone.
The Buddha taught that life is short, filled with suffering, and that death is a part of life. He encouraged Kisa Gotami to stop grieving and instead seek peace by understanding this truth.
Questions and Answers:
-
What does Kisa Gotami ask for when her son dies? Does she get it? Why not?
- Kisa Gotami asks for medicine to bring her dead son back to life. However, she does not get it because no medicine can cure death. The people around her recognized that her son was dead and that nothing could revive him.
-
What does Kisa Gotami ask for the second time, after speaking with the Buddha? Does she get it? Why not?
- The second time, Kisa Gotami asks for mustard seeds from a household that has not experienced death. She does not get it because every house she visited had faced the death of a loved one. This taught her that death is a universal experience.
-
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?
- The second time, Kisa Gotami understands that death is a natural part of life and affects everyone. This is exactly what the Buddha wanted her to realize—that her personal grief was not unique, and death is inevitable for all.
-
Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?
- Kisa Gotami was blinded by her grief the first time and could not accept her son’s death. By sending her to gather mustard seeds from households untouched by death, the Buddha made her realize through experience that death spares no one. This practical journey opened her eyes to the truth.
-
How do you usually understand the idea of ‘selfishness’? Do you agree with Kisa Gotami that she was being ‘selfish in her grief’?
- Selfishness typically means thinking only of oneself. Kisa Gotami may have been selfish in her grief because she wanted her son back, ignoring the reality that death is unavoidable. Her grief focused on her personal loss rather than understanding that suffering is part of life for everyone.
Extract Based MCQs
1. Extract:
"Kisa Gotami repaired to the Buddha and cried, 'Lord and Master, give me
the medicine that will cure my boy.' The Buddha answered, 'I want a
handful of mustard-seed. And when the girl in her joy promised to procure
it, the Buddha added, 'The mustard-seed must be taken from a house where
no one has lost a child, husband, parent or friend.' "
MCQs:
-
Who did Kisa Gotami approach to find a cure for her dead son?
- a) A doctor
- b) Her neighbors
- c) The Buddha
- d) A wise monk
-
What did the Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring?
- a) A special herb
- b) A handful of mustard seeds
- c) A magical potion
- d) A piece of cloth
-
What was the condition placed by the Buddha for the mustard seeds?
- a) They must be freshly harvested
- b) They must come from a holy place
- c) They must come from a house where no one has ever died
- d) They must be bought from the market
2. Extract:
"Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, and the people pitied her
and said, 'Here is mustard-seed; take it!' But when she asked, 'Did a son
or daughter, a father or mother, die in your family?' they answered her,
'Alas! the living are few, but the dead are many.' "
MCQs:
-
How did people react when Kisa Gotami asked for mustard seeds?
- a) They ignored her
- b) They pitied her and offered mustard seeds
- c) They laughed at her request
- d) They scolded her for asking
-
What did Kisa Gotami inquire about in each house she visited?
- a) If anyone had lost a loved one
- b) If they had extra mustard seeds
- c) If they knew a doctor
- d) If they believed in the Buddha’s teachings
-
What truth did the people reveal to Kisa Gotami about life and death?
- a) No one ever dies
- b) The dead are few
- c) The living are few, but the dead are many
- d) Everyone lives forever
3. Extract:
"Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless, and sat down at the wayside
watching the lights of the city, as they flickered up and were
extinguished again. At last, the darkness of the night reigned
everywhere."
MCQs:
-
Why did Kisa Gotami feel weary and hopeless?
- a) Because she was unable to find mustard seeds
- b) Because she could not find a house without death
- c) Because her son had fallen ill again
- d) Because she could not meet the Buddha again
-
What did Kisa Gotami observe as she sat by the wayside?
- a) The rising sun
- b) The lights of the city flickering and going out
- c) The bustling market
- d) The moon rising in the sky
-
What is symbolized by the darkness that enveloped the city?
- a) Life and hope
- b) Death and the end of life
- c) A new beginning
- d) A bright future ahead
4. Extract:
"The Buddha said, 'The life of mortals in this world is troubled and
brief and combined with pain. For there is not any means by which those
that have been born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is
death.' "
MCQs:
-
How does the Buddha describe the life of mortals?
- a) Joyful and endless
- b) Long and peaceful
- c) Troubled, brief, and painful
- d) Full of happiness and laughter
-
According to the Buddha, what is inevitable for all living beings?
- a) Happiness
- b) Wealth
- c) Death
- d) Success
-
What happens to mortals after they reach old age, as per the Buddha?
- a) They live forever
- b) They gain wisdom
- c) They die
- d) They become rich
5. Extract:
"He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and
complaint, and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become
composed will obtain peace of mind; he who has overcome all sorrow will
become free from sorrow, and be blessed."
MCQs:
-
What does the Buddha suggest one must do to find peace?
- a) Seek wealth
- b) Remove sorrow and grief
- c) Meditate in solitude
- d) Speak with monks
-
According to the Buddha, what must one overcome to be free from sorrow?
- a) Fear
- b) Anger
- c) Lamentation, complaint, and grief
- d) Desire for success
-
What is the result of drawing out the 'arrow of lamentation'?
- a) Attaining peace of mind
- b) Receiving enlightenment
- c) Acquiring wealth
- d) Gaining knowledge
