Compassionate Souls, My English Reader, Class VIII, DAV Board, The Best Solutions, Section- D

Section – D

Summary In English: Four Shades Of Human Beings

Buddha classifies human beings into four types based on their actions:

1. Those who work for their own good but not for others.
2. Those who work for others but ignore themselves.
3. Those who do not care for themselves or others.
4. Those who work for both self and others.

Buddha says the fourth type is ideal. The first and third types are selfish or indifferent, not even deserving to be called truly human. The second type is good-hearted but lacks balance. Only the fourth type combines compassion (karuna) and wisdom (panna) to uplift themselves and society. These people create strong, caring communities and remain cheerful even in tough times.

हिन्दी में :

बुद्ध के अनुसार, मनुष्यों को चार प्रकारों में बाँटा जा सकता है:

1. जो केवल अपने हित के लिए काम करते हैं।
2. जो दूसरों के लिए काम करते हैं लेकिन स्वयं की उपेक्षा करते हैं।
3. जो न अपने लिए और न ही दूसरों के लिए काम करते हैं।
4. जो अपने और दूसरों के हित के लिए कार्य करते हैं।

बुद्ध के अनुसार, चौथा प्रकार आदर्श मानव होता है। पहला और तीसरा प्रकार स्वार्थी और असंवेदनशील है। दूसरा प्रकार अच्छा है, लेकिन संतुलित नहीं है। चौथा प्रकार करुणा और ज्ञान से परिपूर्ण होता है और वह स्वयं को सशक्त बनाकर समाज का निर्माण करता है। ऐसे व्यक्ति दुख के समय में भी मुस्कराते हैं और दूसरों के जीवन को भी सँवारते हैं।

Word Meanings Table

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. According to Buddha, an ideal human being is one who…
   a) works only for self
   b) works only for others
   c) works for neither
   ✅ d) works for self and others
2. Which two qualities define an ideal person according to Buddha?
   a) Strength and Power
   ✅ b) Compassion and Wisdom
   c) Wealth and Intelligence
   d) Fame and Popularity
3. What does Buddha say about people who are selfish?
   a) They are great humans
   ✅ b) They are like animals
   c) They are saints
   d) They are wise
4. The second type of person works for others but…
   a) also for themselves
   ✅ b) not for themselves
   c) only in public
   d) none of the above

Short Questions and Answers

1. What are the four types of human beings described by Buddha?
   Answer – The four types are: those who work for (1) only self, (2) only others, (3) neither, and (4) both self and others.
2. Why is the fourth type of human considered ideal?
   Answer – Because they strive for their own growth and also help others. They are compassionate and wise.
3. What qualities define an ideal person according to the Buddha?
   Answer – Karuna (compassion) and Panna (wisdom).
4. How does Buddha describe selfish people?
   Answer – He says they are like animals who only live to survive and lack higher intelligence.
5. What message is given in the Buddha’s quote at the end?
   Answer – True strength lies in being pleasant and positive even during difficult times.