English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

The Buddha says that the life of mortals is troubled, brief, and full of pain. Death is unavoidable — after old age comes death, and all living beings, young or old, wise or foolish, fall into the power of death. Just as ripe fruits fall and earthen pots break, so do mortals perish.

He further says that weeping and lamenting bring no peace; rather, they increase suffering. Therefore, the wise do not grieve, knowing this to be the nature of the world. One should draw out the arrow of grief to attain peace of mind and become truly blessed.

Source: Chapter 8, The Buddha's Sermon

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• The examiner expects two key ideas: (1) the nature of life — brief, painful, death inevitable; (2) the Buddha's advice — grief does not help, let go of sorrow to find peace.
• Use direct references from the sermon (e.g., "ripe fruits," "earthen vessels," "arrow of lamentation") to show textual grounding.
• At 3 marks, roughly 2 short paragraphs or 5–6 crisp sentences are enough — don't over-explain.