NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight – Prose Chapter 8: The Sermon at Benares
The Sermon at Benares is an inspiring chapter from the Class 10 English First Flight textbook that introduces students to the teachings of Gautama Buddha and the importance of understanding the reality of life and death. The lesson revolves around the story of Kisa Gotami, a grieving mother who loses her only child and desperately seeks a way to bring him back to life. Through her experience and Buddha’s wisdom, the chapter explains that death is a universal truth and that suffering can be overcome through acceptance and self-realization.
The chapter presents a powerful message about human emotions, attachment, and the temporary nature of worldly life. It encourages readers to develop patience, compassion, and inner peace during difficult situations. The simple yet meaningful narrative makes students reflect on the importance of wisdom over sorrow and teaches valuable life lessons that remain relevant even today. As part of the Class 10 NCERT syllabus, this chapter is important for board examinations because it includes extract-based questions, character analysis, and theme-based writing tasks. Studying well-prepared NCERT Solutions helps students understand the deeper meaning of the lesson and answer textbook questions confidently. For NCERT Solutions for Class 10, check out the NCERT solution for Class 10 English.
Find the PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight-Prose Chapter-8-The Sermon at Benares.
About the Chapter
The Sermon at Benares is based on the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. The story highlights how Buddha guided Kisa Gotami to understand that death is inevitable and affects every family. He asks her to collect mustard seeds from a house where no one has ever died, helping her realize that loss is a part of human existence.
The lesson focuses on acceptance, wisdom, and freedom from excessive attachment. It inspires students to face life's challenges with courage and calmness while understanding that sorrow can be reduced through knowledge and self-control. The chapter combines spiritual values with practical life lessons, making it one of the most meaningful prose pieces in the textbook.
| Important Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter Name | The Sermon at Benares |
| Book | First Flight (Class 10 English) |
| Chapter Type | Prose |
| Based On | Teachings of Gautama Buddha |
| Main Character | Kisa Gotami |
| Central Theme | Life, Death, Wisdom and Acceptance |
| Key Message | Death is universal and unavoidable |
| Important Value | Compassion, Patience and Self-Realization |
| Literary Style | Philosophical and Inspirational |
| Board Exam Importance | Important for extract, theme and value-based questions |
| Learning Outcome | Understanding human emotions and Buddhist philosophy |
| Moral Lesson | Acceptance of truth brings inner peace |
NCERT Solutions for this chapter provide clear explanations of every exercise and help students understand the philosophical ideas presented in simple language. They support effective revision by explaining difficult words, important concepts, and expected examination answers. Students also improve their writing and comprehension skills by practicing well-structured responses based on the chapter.
The lesson encourages readers to look beyond temporary sorrow and recognize that happiness and sadness are both natural parts of life. Gautama Buddha's teachings inspire people to control desires, overcome grief, and seek wisdom through understanding rather than emotion. The story of Kisa Gotami remains a timeless example of how knowledge can transform pain into acceptance. By studying this chapter carefully along with NCERT Solutions, students gain both academic confidence and valuable moral lessons that help shape a positive outlook towards life and its inevitable challenges.