The half-closed eyes of the Buddha and the slowly sinking Sun summary and exercise | Class 12 English Notes | NEB

Before Reading

a. What does a Nepali tourist guide think about foreign tourists?
Ans. Nepali tourist guides regard foreign tourists as highly respected guests, treating them with utmost honor and courtesy. They are often considered equivalent to gods in their hospitality.

b. What do common Nepali people think of a fair-skinned foreigner?
Ans. Common Nepali people often perceive fair-skinned foreigners as superior or distinguished, associating physical appearance with social prestige.

c. Why do you think foreign tourists visit Nepal?
Ans. Foreign tourists visit Nepal to experience its cultural, religious, and geographical diversity. They are drawn by natural beauty, historical sites, spiritual heritage, and unique traditions that are rarely found elsewhere.

Understanding the Text

a. How does the tourist describe his initial impression of the Kathmandu valley?
Ans. The tourist is impressed by Kathmandu Valley’s scenic beauty, describing its green geometric fields, red, yellow, and white earthen houses, the scent of soil and mountains, and the age-old peacefulness pervading the valley.

b. According to the tourist, why is the West indebted to the East?
Ans. The tourist notes that the East contributed significantly to the West by providing religions, sacred texts like puranas, brass and ivory ornaments, palm-leaf manuscripts, copperplate inscriptions, civilization, wisdom, and even garlands of jasmine, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.

c. How does the tourist interpret the gaze of the monks and nuns?
Ans. The gaze of monks and nuns is described as the saymak gaze, a pure, unconstrained perception that sees everything in its true form, symbolizing spiritual clarity and inner wisdom.

d. Why do the tourists think Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional?
Ans. Nepali people are remarkable because individuals of diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities coexist peacefully, demonstrating tolerance and harmonious living.

e. What are the different kinds of communities in the Kathmandu valley, and how do they coexist?
Ans. The Kathmandu Valley hosts Hindu and Buddhist communities. Despite differences in gods, rituals, and philosophies, these communities live harmoniously, showing mutual respect and tolerance.

f. What does the tourist feel about the temple of Adinath?
Ans. The tourist perceives the temple of Adinath, dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Buddha, as a living example of Nepalese tolerance and coexistence.

g. Why does the guide take the tourist to the remote village?
Ans. The guide takes the tourist to remote villages to show him the “pulse of reality” in Nepal and leave a lasting impression of the country’s authentic life.

h. What does the innocent village couple think of the doctor?
Ans. The couple regards the doctor’s arrival as preordained, believing he is the eldest son who has brought a life-saving remedy across the seas for their younger child.

i. What are the differences between the paralyzed child and his sister?
Ans. The paralyzed child’s body is almost entirely useless, with only his eyes showing life, whereas his sister’s body functions normally.

j. Why does the guide show the instances of poverty to the tourist?
Ans. The guide shows poverty to the tourist to reveal the country’s realities and ensure the tourist appreciates Nepal’s beauty without ignoring the social challenges.

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Reference to the Context

a. Which narrative technique is used by the author, and how is this story different from other stories?
Ans. Shankar Lamichhane uses the stream of consciousness technique in this story. Unlike conventional first-person narratives that describe events linearly, this story explores the internal thoughts and perceptions of the tourist guide and the foreign tourist. The narrative captures sensory impressions, memories, unfinished thoughts, and reflections, creating an immersive mental landscape rather than merely recounting events. This makes the story distinct from traditional storytelling.

b. How does the author integrate two fragments of narration into a unified whole?
Ans. The author unites two narrative fragments by linking the guide’s perspective with the tourist’s experiences through recurring motifs, particularly the concept of “eyes.” The guide’s explanations of local life and culture are intertwined with the tourist’s observations. By showing the interactions between everyday life in villages, religious symbols, and historical references, the story merges the worlds of the local and the foreign, the East and the West, creating a cohesive narrative that conveys deeper cultural understanding.

c. Historical and legendary references in the story and their significance:

• Manjushri and the sword stroke at Chobhar: Represents the mythological shaping of Kathmandu Valley and human civilization.

• Puranas, brass and ivory ornaments, palm leaf manuscripts, and copperplate inscriptions: Reflect Nepal’s rich cultural, religious, and artistic heritage.

• Eyes of shaven-headed monks and nuns: Symbolize pure perception and spiritual insight.

• Princess Bhrikuti and King Amshuverma: Highlight historical connections with neighboring regions like Tibet.

• Sunset reflected in Buddha’s eyes: Represents hope, peace, and Nepalese spiritual identity.

• Adinath temple: Exemplifies religious tolerance and communal harmony.

d. Significance of “eyes” in the story:
The motif of eyes appears repeatedly—monks, nuns, windows, stupas, villagers, the paralyzed child, the Himalayas, and the Buddha. Eyes symbolize perception, understanding, and memory. They reflect spiritual insight, cultural awareness, and the ability to see reality in its truest form. By connecting these instances, the story emphasizes that Nepal is a land observed and cherished through its people, history, religion, and natural beauty. Eyes also unify the narrative, creating a continuous thread of reflection, memory, and cultural depth.

Reference Beyond the Text

a. Essay on Living Proximity to Nature

Ans.
Nature refers to the physical world and everything in it. It is an essential and integral part of human life, one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon mankind. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced world, humans often fail to recognize the value of nature. Throughout history, nature has inspired poets, writers, and artists, and it provides humans with resources, protection, and sustenance. At the same time, nature has the power to destroy humanity if it is neglected or harmed.

Living close to nature promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It revitalizes the body and mind, helping people feel truly alive. Studies show that people living near green areas experience higher happiness, greater self-worth, increased life satisfaction, and lower risks of serious diseases like cancer, depression, and respiratory illnesses. Nature offers serenity through simple pleasures—the smell of fresh air, the sound of birdsong, and the beauty of starry skies—which calm the mind and soul.

Nature also possesses healing power, supporting the body’s inherent ability to recover and rejuvenate. People who spend time in natural surroundings often experience improved concentration, enhanced creativity, and reduced stress. Living close to nature can lead to positive transformations in life that might otherwise seem impossible.

Humans must learn to live in harmony with nature, protecting the environment and other living beings. When people harm nature through pollution, deforestation, or over-exploitation, they threaten the balance that has existed for centuries. Every individual has a responsibility to preserve nature; for example, planting and nurturing at least twenty-five trees during one’s lifetime can contribute to environmental conservation. By respecting and protecting nature, humans can ensure a sustainable and harmonious future.

b. Ethnic and Religious Coexistence in Nepal

Ans.
Nepal is a small country with remarkable cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. It is home to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and followers of other faiths, as well as multiple ethnic groups and languages. Despite these differences, Nepali people have managed to live together peacefully, sharing joys and sorrows, and practicing mutual respect and understanding.

Examples of communal harmony can be found throughout Nepal. Religious sites such as Swayambhunath, Adinath, Lumbini, and Muktinath are visited by both Hindus and Buddhists. Festivals are celebrated inclusively: Hindus may participate in Eid celebrations, Muslims may receive tika during Dashain, and Buddhists visit temples and stupas while also participating in local Hindu rituals. Christians join in national celebrations like Teej, Dashain, and Tihar, as well as Christmas, reflecting a spirit of mutual respect and inclusion.

Several factors contribute to Nepal’s peaceful coexistence:

1. Humanism as a Priority: Nepalis often place humanity and national identity above religious or ethnic differences.

2. Respect and Compassion: People show respect, sympathy, and support for everyone regardless of religion or background.

3. Cultural Integration: Learning to live as one community encourages empathy, tolerance, and cooperation.

4. Spiritual Awareness: Nepalese society values spirituality and compassion, promoting unity and ethical living.

In Nepal, diversity is celebrated rather than seen as a source of conflict. By prioritizing common human values, respecting one another, and participating in shared cultural and religious practices, Nepali people have maintained harmony for generations. Nepal thus stands as a model of peaceful ethnic and religious coexistence in a multicultural society.