First Flight - Class X
Reprint 2025-26
In this text the Buddha preaches his first sermon at the city of Benares, which is holy to the Hindus. He talks about sorrow and suffering, the cause of sorrow and suffering, and the path that frees us from sorrow and suffering.
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore the Buddha's wisdom about dealing with grief and the universal nature of suffering through the story of Kisa Gotami, a bereaved mother who learns a profound lesson about life and death.
Use a dictionary or ask for your teacher's help as you discuss the following questions in groups.
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...")?
Find out the meanings of the following words and phrases:
Have you heard of the Sermon on the Mount? Who delivered it? Who do you think delivered a sermon at Benares?
In pairs, discuss how you deal with difficult situations in life. How do you cope with sadness or disappointment? What helps you feel better when you're upset?
Do you think everyone experiences suffering in the same way? How might different cultures or religions approach the concept of suffering?
Read this sentence taken from the story:
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."
The word procure means "to get or obtain." It's a formal way of saying "get" or "find."
1. Living in a palace royalty, so the prince enjoyed luxurious surroundings.
2. As a child, the prince was from the suffering of the world outside the palace walls.
3. The world is death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve.
4. Her over her son's death could be heard throughout the village.
5. After learning the truth about suffering, Kisa Gotami became and found peace of mind.
This text is written in an old-fashioned style, for it reports an incident more than two millennia old. Try to rephrase these expressions in more current language:
1. "I cannot give thee medicine for thy child" means
2. "Pray tell me" means
3. "Kisa repaired to the Buddha" means
4. "There was no house but someone had died in it" means
5. "Kinsmen" means