Lesson made on May 7, 2025
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Reading Lesson:
India is very upset about a planned event in Hong Kong where a company wants to sell old jewels that were once buried with the remains of the Buddha. These jewels are very important to India and many Buddhists because they were found next to what is believed to be part of the Buddha’s body over 100 years ago.
The jewels were found in 1898 by an Englishman named William Claxton Peppé. He was working in what is now northern India, near the birthplace of the Buddha. Inside an ancient brick structure, he discovered more than 1,800 beautiful jewels. Most of what he found was given to museums or to Buddhist leaders. But he kept some of the items, which later stayed in his family.
Now, over 100 years later, his great-grandson and his cousins are trying to sell some of the items their family kept. They say only a small part of the discovery stayed with the family and that they believe an auction is a fair way to give these jewels to people who care about Buddhism.
India says the sale is against Indian law and breaks international rules about protecting important cultural items. India believes these jewels are sacred and should be treated with deep respect, not sold for money. India also doesn’t think the family has the right to sell the jewels. They say the family didn’t take proper care of them, especially because a past report showed they were once left forgotten in a shoebox. If they don’t stop the auction, India says it might take legal action in both India and Hong Kong.
Comprehension Quiz:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
- Do you think it’s okay for the family to sell the jewels? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever visited a museum? What was the most interesting thing you saw?
3. Have you ever inherited something from a family member? Was it special to you?
More Reading Practice:
Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is the name of the company that is planning to auction the sacred jewels in Hong Kong. Sotheby’s is a very old and famous company that helps people buy and sell valuable things like art, jewelry, antiques, and rare items. They do this through special events called auctions, where people place bids, or offers, to buy these items. If someone wants to sell something valuable, they can bring it to Sotheby’s, and the company will show it to people who are interested in buying. The highest bidder, or the person who offers the most money, wins the item. Sotheby’s works all over the world, and many people trust them because they have a lot of experience in selling high-quality items.
Sacred Buddha relics
Sacred Buddha relics are special objects that are believed to be connected to the Buddha, who was a spiritual leader and teacher from long ago. These relics can be pieces of the Buddha’s body, like his bones or teeth, or objects that he used during his life, such as clothing or tools. People believe these relics have great spiritual power and are very important for Buddhists. Many Buddhists visit these relics to show respect and to pray for peace, wisdom, and good fortune. The relics are often kept in special places like temples, and they are sometimes displayed for people to see during ceremonies or special events. The relics are a way for people to feel close to the Buddha and to remember his teachings.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion that began in India more than 2,500 years ago. It teaches that life can be hard, and people often feel suffering, but there is a way to find peace and happiness. The founder of Buddhism, named Siddhartha Gautama, became known as the Buddha. He taught that people can overcome suffering by understanding their own minds and making good choices. Buddhism focuses on finding inner peace, being kind to others, and understanding that everything in life changes.
Buddhists believe that if people live in a good way, they can reach a state called “nirvana.” Nirvana is a peaceful state where people are free from suffering and desire. Buddhists also follow certain practices, like meditation, to help them focus their minds and live a good life. The main ideas of Buddhism are about understanding yourself, being kind, and seeking peace.
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