Question

Why do you think Kisa Gotami understood this only the second time? In what way did Buddha change her understanding?

Answer 1

Hint: The above question is taken from the lesson, “The Sermon at Benares” by Betty Renshaw from the book Values and Voices is included in Chapter 10 of Class 10 English textbook, First Flight. This chapter illuminates Lord Buddha's teachings, which have profound implications in our lives.

Complete answer:
Previously, all Kisa Gotami could see was her sadness. The second time she went door to door, she realized that everyone was grieving the loss of a loved one. There was not a single house in town where a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, a son, or a daughter had not died. Everyone has experienced the death of a loved one at some point in their lives.

Gautama Buddha aided her in comprehending all of this by instructing her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where death had never knocked. In this way, she realized that death is a part of life for everyone. Her perspective was altered by the Buddha. She realized that grieving would not bring a man peace of mind.

Lord Buddha taught everyone a valuable lesson: sorrow and grief only add to man's suffering and pain. It wreaks havoc on one's health and exacerbates the current situation. As a result, a wise person understands how Mother Nature works and who does not lose hope or remain in constant mourning for something unavoidable. Only then will one be able to enjoy life and stay happy and blessed in life.

Note: The moral of the story is that humans are mortal and that no one is immune to death. People must understand that thinking about constrained situations causes stress and sadness. As a result, we should prioritize ignoring our sorrows and focusing on the things that make us happy.