ROUTERA

Chapter 8 The Sermon at Benares

Class 10thEnglish First Flight

CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) - "The Sermon at Benares" and Poem "For Anne Gregory"

Chapter: The Sermon at Benares

"The Sermon at Benares" is an excerpt that presents one of the most famous teachings of Gautama Buddha. In this sermon, delivered at Benares (now Varanasi), Buddha addresses the inevitability of death and the importance of overcoming sorrow. The story centers around Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother who has lost her son. In her desperation, she seeks a way to bring him back to life, and Buddha teaches her that death is a natural part of life that cannot be escaped. The sermon emphasizes the transient nature of life and the need to accept the reality of death with equanimity, urging people to seek enlightenment through understanding and wisdom.

Poem: For Anne Gregory

"For Anne Gregory" is a poem by W.B. Yeats that explores themes of beauty, love, and self-perception. The poem is a conversation between a young woman, Anne Gregory, and an unnamed speaker. Anne Gregory desires to be loved for who she is, rather than for her outward appearance, particularly her beautiful hair. The speaker, however, suggests that most people are drawn to physical beauty, but true love is based on inner qualities. The poem reflects on the superficiality of judging someone by their looks and the deeper desire for love that appreciates a person’s true self.

These selections from the "First Flight" book delve into profound philosophical themes, exploring the nature of life, death, love, and the search for true meaning beyond the surface of appearances.