Class 12 English Lesson 6: The Half-Closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun Reference to Context and Refernce beyond Text Literature Section

 

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, Shankar Lamichhane, tells the story of "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" using the special type of technique known as the 'stream of consciousness method. A method of writing or narrative in which sensory sensations, memories, unfinished ideas, unique syntax, and careless grammar are all included in the natural flow of the character's prolonged mental process is known as a "stream of consciousness." On one hand, this style of writing, which employs a stream-of-consciousness method, is unique among the tales I've previously read. For one thing, it's different from previous stories I've read since, although most are written in first person, this one is recounted via the monologues of two characters: a local tour guide and a foreign visitor in Kathmandu Valley. Instead of showing actions and events like in conventional tales, this one depicts the thoughts of the two characters using a method known as "stream of awareness."

b.     How is the author able to integrate two fragments of the narration into a unified whole?

In "The Half-Closed Eyes of Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" the author tries to combine two pieces of narrative into a single whole. He does so by linking them with instances of eyes and linking them to two other worlds. While this may be true in the realm of farmers, he also connects it to traditional beliefs and illnesses that plague individuals in other parts of society. The author describes what's going on in the neighbourhood and what individuals do for a livelihood.

A guide's trip with the tourist and his narrative methods of stream of consciousness is intertwined in his writing, as are instances of his eyes and his narrative techniques used to convey the significance and activities associated with various locations and activities. As a result, he sends the message that one should see things from a broader perspective and grasp the real significance of the situation by linking two disparate worlds or ideas of the East and the West.

c.      The author brings some historical and legendary references to the story. Collect these references and show their significance in the story.

Shankar Lamichhane uses historical and mythical allusions in his short tale "The Half-Closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun.’’ The story reveals historical and legendary references to the importance of Nepal. Even the Puranas show that Nepalese people are well-versed in their own culture. Brass and ivory representations, manuscripts written on palm leaves, and copperplate inscriptions all prove the cultural diversity of Nepal.

There is a reference to Manjushree's role in letting humans dwell in the Kathmandu valley. It may be seen when his sword stroked at Chobhar, which caused the Bagmati River to overflow. The Adinath temple exemplifies Nepalese tolerance and unity more than any other place in the country. In Buddhism, shaven-headed monks and nuns are said to symbolise the concept of 'the samyak gaze,' which refers to a vision that sees everything in its true form. There are historical connections to neighbouring nations like Tibet in the references of Princess Bhrikuti and King Amshuvarma. Because of the magnificent sunset light reflecting off his eyes, Nepal is shown as a Buddhist nation where people have a great deal of hope and serenity inside them.

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.

While writing his tale titled "The Slowly Sinking Sun and Buddha's Half-Closed Eyes," Shankar Lamichhhane mentions a lot of eye references such as "The Samyak Gaze" in which the eyes of bald monks and nuns indicate, "the sight that sees everything in its actual form." The author links different instances of eyes to memories and people's thirsts that never come true by imagining something with their inner eyes and hearts and thus unifying the narrative as a whole.

The author talks about different eyes such as the People's eyes, the Himalayan mountain range's eyes, the paralysed boy's eyes, the welcome villages' eyes, and finally, the Buddha's half-closed eyes. The eyes of these people show a new culture, civilization, religion, natural beauty, and the country of Buddha, even if all of the world's history books were destroyed today. The trip takes on more significance thanks to the memories that are gathered through the eyes. All of these occurrences of eyes imply that this is a country of eyes, one that is protected by the Lord Buddha's half-closed eyes.

Reference beyond the text

a.      Write an essay on Living in Proximity to Nature.

Living Proximity to Nature

Living in proximity to nature refers to living a life close to nature. Nature is one of the most vital aspects of human life. Nature is so great and beyond human imagination. There is nothing more powerful than nature. It is the main source of human beings’ survival. It should be respected and protected all the time because life on this planet is possible due to this incredible power of nature that never demands anything from humans. Instead, it only knows to provide different things to others. Nature nourishes us in every aspect.

We are always close to this nature. Our whole life depends on living near nature. It allows us to consume various important things in our life. Nature is the main source that provides basic essential things required for our life. Moreover, all organisms including insects to animals also depend on nature. Being close to nature is beneficial for a prosperous life. It must be fully enjoyed without destroying its ecological balance. Nature must be taken care of properly and prevented from destruction to its beauty so that human beings can utilize it forever.

Nature is a precious gift of God provided to human beings but not to harm it. Nature is the most inevitable part of our life that has made us happy and let us live in a natural environment being healthy. Living in proximity to nature allows us to live a long and prosperous life.

b.     The story talks about the 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?

In my view, Nepali people have been living in such mutual harmony for ages with the help of various factors. Among these factors, the long-term harmonious relationship among the people in the society is a prime one. Nepali are connected due to their long-time relationships. The other factors are the history of the country and the feeling of patriotism among Nepali people, their connection to their culture and tradition, and their religious and ritual bonding. People in Nepal have been living peacefully and harmoniously with the feelings of fraternity and brotherhood for ages. They respect each other’s culture and religions sharing their happiness. They are found themselves involved in different celebrations, each other’s joys and sorrows. We can find cooperation among Nepali people. They are deeply connected both culturally and traditionally. From ancient times, Nepali people are known to have lived with unity, harmony, and peaceful existence.

 

 

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