Unit - 1 Short Stories
Class - 12
Chapter - 6 The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun
Shankar LamichhaneQuestion Answer.........................
Summary
"The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" by Shankar Lamichhane is a story set in a small Nepalese village where a group of people gather to watch the sunset. The story is narrated by a young boy who is the son of the village priest.
As the villagers sit on the riverbank and watch the sunset, they notice a large rock that resembles the head of the Buddha. The rock is situated on the opposite side of the river and is known as "Buddha's Head." The villagers often admire the rock and consider it a sign of good fortune.
As the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, the villagers notice that the Buddha's eyes on the rock appear to be half-closed. This leads them to believe that it is a sign that they will soon receive some good news or a blessing from the gods.
The narrator's father, the village priest, explains the significance of the Buddha's eyes to his son. He tells him that when the Buddha's eyes are half-closed, it means that the gods are listening to their prayers and will soon grant their wishes.
The villagers begin to discuss what their wishes might be and how the Buddha's eyes being half-closed might relate to their personal desires. The narrator, however, is more fascinated by the beauty of the sunset and is not particularly concerned about the Buddha's eyes.
As the sun finally sets, the narrator notices that the Buddha's eyes are now fully closed. The villagers become disappointed and question what this might mean. Some of them wonder if it's a bad omen or if they've done something wrong to displease the gods.
The story ends with the villagers dispersing and heading back to their homes, still unsure about the significance of the Buddha's eyes being half-closed or fully closed. The narrator reflects on the beauty of the sunset and the fleeting nature of time. He realizes that moments like these are precious and should be appreciated, regardless of the meaning behind them.
Understanding the Text
Answer the following questions.
a. How does the tourist describe his initial impression of the Kathmandu valley?
Answer 👉 The tourist describes his initial impression of the Kathmandu valley as a mixture of vibrant culture, chaos, and an ancient air that seems to have been lost in the modern world.
b. According to the tourist, why is the West indebted to the East?
According to the tourist, the West is indebted to the East for the spiritual knowledge and teachings that have been passed down from the ancient times. He believes that the spiritual knowledge and insights of the East have helped to shape the West and that the West has much to learn from the East.
c. How does the tourist interpret the gaze of the monks and nuns?
The tourist interprets the gaze of the monks and nuns as a reflection of their inner peace and tranquility. He believes that their peaceful countenance is a reflection of the deep spiritual practice and the simplicity of life that they lead.
d. Why do the tourists think Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional?
The tourists think that Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional because of their simplicity, warm hospitality, and genuine friendliness. They are impressed by the way the Nepali people treat them with kindness and respect, and by their open-heartedness and generosity.
e. What are the different kinds of communities in the Kathmandu valley and how do they coexist with each other?
The Kathmandu valley is home to various communities, including Newars, Tamangs, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Dalits. They co-exist with each other peacefully and celebrate each other's festivals and cultural traditions.
f. What does the tourist feel about the temple of Adinath?
The tourist is awed by the temple of Adinath and describes it as a magnificent work of art that stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of the Nepali people.
g. Why does the guide take the tourist to the remote village?
The guide takes the tourist to the remote village to show him the simplicity and the traditional way of life of the Nepali people. He wants to show him how the rural people live in harmony with nature and how they are able to sustain their livelihood through farming and other traditional practices.
h. What does the innocent village couple think of the doctor?
The innocent village couple thinks of the doctor as a divine figure who has come to their village to bless their paralyzed child. They are touched by the doctor's kindness and generosity, and they are grateful for his help.
i. What are the differences between the paralyzed child and his sister?
The paralyzed child is dependent on his sister for all his needs, while his sister has to take care of her brother and also look after the household chores. The sister is more independent and has to take care of herself as well as her brother.
j. Why does the guide show the instances of poverty to the tourist?
The guide shows the instances of poverty to the tourist to raise awareness about the reality of life in Nepal. He wants to show the tourist the other side of Nepal that is not visible in the tourist spots and to bring to light the struggles of the poor and underprivileged people.
Reference to the Context
a. Which narrative technique is used by the author to tell the story? How is this story different from other stories you have read?
The author of "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" uses a unique narrative technique in which the story is told from the point of view of a tourist visiting the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. Through the eyes of the tourist, the author is able to paint a vivid picture of the valley and its inhabitants. This story is different from other stories I have read in the sense that the author is not telling the story directly. Instead, the story is revealed through the tourist's experiences, impressions, and interactions with the people he meets. It is an interesting and creative way to tell a story, and it keeps the reader engaged and curious throughout the narrative.
b. How is the author able to integrate two fragments of the narration into a unified whole?
The author integrates two fragments of the narration into a unified whole by using the Buddhist philosophy of non-duality. The tourist initially sees the Kathmandu valley as two separate entities - the West and the East. He feels that the West is indebted to the East because the East has taught the world the lessons of non-duality and interdependence. This idea of non-duality is then integrated into the second part of the story, where the tourist visits a remote village and meets a paralyzed child and his sister. The tourist sees the child as separate from his sister, but through the teachings of the doctor and the village couple, he realizes that the two are actually one and the same. The author is able to integrate these two fragments of the story by showing how the idea of non-duality is relevant to both situations.
c. The author brings some historical and legendary references to the story. Collect these references and show their significance in the story.
The author brings several historical and legendary references in the story. The temple of Adinath mentioned in the story is an ancient temple located in the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal and has significant religious and historical importance. Similarly, the references to the eyes of the Himalayas are significant because they show the author's reverence for the natural beauty of the region. The references to the eyes in the window and door panels and the half-closed eyes of the Buddha are also important because they represent the idea of non-duality and oneness.
d. The author talks about the eyes in many places: the eyes of the shaven monks and nuns, eyes in the window and door panels, the eyes of the Himalayas, the eyes of the paralyzed boy, the eyes of the welcoming villagers and above all the half-closed eyes of the Buddha. Explain how all the instances of eyes contribute to the overall unity of the story.
The instances of eyes in the story contribute to the overall unity of the story by highlighting the idea of non-duality and oneness. The eyes of the shaven monks and nuns, the eyes in the window and door panels, and the eyes of the Himalayas all represent the same thing - the interconnectedness of all things. The half-closed eyes of the Buddha are especially important because they represent the idea of non-duality, which is the central theme of the story. The eyes of the paralyzed boy and his sister are also significant because they represent the duality that exists in the tourist's mind. By the end of the story, the tourist realizes that the two children are one and the same, and this realization brings him closer to the idea of non-duality. Overall, the instances of eyes in the story serve as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things, which is the main theme of the story.
Reference beyond the text
a. Write an essay on Living Proximity to Nature.
Essay on Living Proximity to Nature:
Living in proximity to nature has always been an essential part of human life. It provides us with various opportunities to connect with ourselves and the environment around us. Nature has the power to heal, rejuvenate and transform our lives in many ways.
Living close to nature allows us to experience the beauty of the world in a unique way. It provides us with the opportunity to appreciate the different hues of the sky, the calmness of the waters, and the aroma of the flowers. We can feel the coolness of the morning dew and the warmth of the sun on our skin. We can also witness the different seasons and how they affect the environment around us.
Living close to nature also has numerous health benefits. Studies show that people who spend time in nature have lower stress levels and improved cognitive function. Being in nature can also help reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve immune system function.
Living in proximity to nature also helps us develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment. We start to appreciate the beauty of nature and become more mindful of our actions that affect the environment. We become more conscious of our consumption patterns and the need to reduce waste and conserve resources.
In conclusion, living in proximity to nature can be a fulfilling and transformative experience. It connects us with our environment and ourselves and has numerous health and psychological benefits. We must strive to preserve our natural resources and develop a sustainable way of living to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the beauty and abundance of nature.
b. The story talks about ethnic/religious co-existence of different communities in Nepal, where the Buddhists and the Hindus and the Aryans and non-Aryans have lived in communal harmony for ages. In your view, how have the Nepali people been able to live in such harmony?
The story talks about ethnic/religious co-existence of different communities in Nepal, where the Buddhists and the Hindus and the Aryans and non-Aryans have lived in communal harmony for ages. In your view, how have the Nepali people been able to live in such harmony?
The co-existence of different ethnic and religious communities in Nepal can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons for this harmony is the tolerant and inclusive nature of Nepali culture. Nepal has always been a melting pot of different ethnic groups, religions, and cultures, and this diversity has been celebrated and embraced by the Nepali people.
Another factor that has helped maintain communal harmony in Nepal is the interdependence of different communities. Nepal is a country with a primarily agrarian economy, and different communities depend on each other for their livelihoods. This interdependence has led to mutual respect and understanding, and people have learned to coexist and cooperate for their common good.
The concept of dharma, which is central to both Hinduism and Buddhism, also plays a significant role in promoting communal harmony in Nepal. The idea of dharma emphasizes ethical and moral values such as kindness, compassion, and selflessness, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.
The Nepali people also have a strong sense of national identity and pride. The country's long history, unique geography, and cultural diversity have created a shared sense of national identity among Nepalis. This shared identity has helped bridge ethnic and religious divides and fostered a sense of solidarity and unity among Nepali people.
All Class 12 English Book Solution Link Unitwise
Section I : Language Development
Section II : Literature
Unit - 1 Short Stories
Unit - 2 Poems
Unit - 3 Essays
Unit - 4 One Act Plays
