NCERT Class 10 English First Flight: Chapter 8 — Find out the meanings of the words and phrases given in the box.
This chapter, 'The Sermon at Benares' from NCERT's Class 10 English textbook 'First Flight', introduces Gautama Buddha and his teachings. Born Siddhartha Gautama, he renounced his princely life after witnessing suffering and sought enlightenment. After achieving enlightenment, he became known as the Buddha and delivered his first sermon in Benares. The chapter recounts the story of Kisa Gotami, who lost her son and desperately sought a cure. The Buddha offered her a handful of mustard seeds, but with the condition that they must come from a house where no one had ever died. This task made Kisa Gotami realize the universality of death and the futility of her grief. The chapter emphasizes that life is fleeting and filled with suffering, and true peace comes from overcoming selfishness. It helps students understand Buddhist philosophy and the nature of human existence.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | First Flight |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Find out the meanings of the words and phrases given in the box. |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 701 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.
- Analyze the story of Kisa Gotami and its message.
- Grasp the Buddhist concepts of suffering, impermanence, and enlightenment.
- Recognize the universality of death and the importance of overcoming grief and selfishness.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| afflicted with | suffering from a disease or problem |
| be composed | made up of; be formed of |
| desolation | a state of complete emptiness or destruction; deep sorrow |
| lamentation | the passionate expression of grief or sorrow |
| procure | to obtain something with care or effort |
| be subject to | likely to experience or suffer from something |
| enlightenment | a state of high spiritual knowledge |
| sermon | religious or moral talk |
| dipping places | bathing places |
| inscrutable | something which cannot be understood |
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Practice questions
- Who was Siddhartha Gautama before he became the Buddha? Answer: He was a prince named Siddhartha Gautama.
- What sights moved the Prince to seek enlightenment? Answer: He chanced upon a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession, and a monk begging for alms.
- What was the condition given by the Buddha for the mustard seed? Answer: The mustard seed must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child, husband, parent, or friend.
- What realization did Kisa Gotami have after her search? Answer: She realized that death is common to all and that she was selfish in her grief.
- According to the Buddha, what is the nature of life in this world? Answer: The life of mortals is troubled, brief, and combined with pain.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'The Sermon at Benares'?
The chapter is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, and the text is presented as part of the NCERT Class 10 English textbook 'First Flight'.
What is the main message of 'The Sermon at Benares'?
The main message is that life is full of suffering and impermanence, and true peace comes from understanding this reality and overcoming selfishness.
Who was Kisa Gotami?
Kisa Gotami was a woman who lost her only son and desperately sought a cure, only to learn the universal truth about death from the Buddha.
What does 'enlightenment' mean in the context of Buddha's life?
Enlightenment refers to a state of profound spiritual knowledge and understanding of the nature of reality, which Gautama Buddha attained.
Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?
Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares, a holy place on the River Ganges.
What does the chapter teach about grief?
The chapter teaches that while grief is natural, excessive grief over the inevitable reality of death is futile and stems from selfishness.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 English — First Flight — Chapter 8 — English Find Out Meanings Words and Phrases Given in Box. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.