Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:19 · grounding rag
Model Answer
According to the Indian legend, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants, when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep. This legend connects the origin of tea to a monk's spiritual discipline and his struggle against sleepiness during meditation.
Source: Tea from Assam, Chapter 5
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Explanation
- The question asks specifically about the Indian legend, not the Chinese one — make sure you don't mix them up.
- Key details examiners look for: Bodhidharma (name is important), eyelids cut off, ten tea plants grew, leaves banished sleep.
- At 3 marks, you need all three key plot points: the act (cutting eyelids), the result (tea plants grew), and the effect (drinking the leaves removed sleepiness).
- Quoting or closely paraphrasing the text is safe and correct here.