Educational Notes

a. How does the tourist describe his initial impression of the Kathmandu valley?

Ans: The tourist expresses deep admiration for the Kathmandu valley's natural beauty, highlighting the picturesque landscape, the fresh scent of the earth, and the charming clay houses painted in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and white. The serene mountain air captivates the tourist, making the valley appear enchanting and full of peacefulness.

b. According to the tourist, why is the West indebted to the East?

Ans: The tourist believes that the West owes a great debt to the East because it has inherited many important cultural and civilizational treasures. These include ancient texts such as the Puranas, exquisite brass and ivory artworks, palm leaf manuscripts, and copperplate inscriptions. The East's rich cultural and religious harmony deeply fascinates the West and forms the foundation of its own heritage.

c. How does the tourist interpret the gaze of the monks and nuns?

Ans: The tourist perceives the monks' and nuns' gaze as 'the samyak gaze,' which is considered sacred. This gaze is seen as pure and untainted by any biases or impurities. It represents a form of holy sight, embodying spiritual clarity and compassion.

d. Why do the tourists think Nepali people are wonderful and exceptional?

Ans: Tourists find Nepali people wonderful because of their ability to live together peacefully despite diverse backgrounds. The harmony and coexistence among different communities in Nepal impress visitors, portraying the people as gentle, welcoming, and unique in their peaceful way of life.

e. What are the different kinds of communities in the Kathmandu valley and how do they coexist with each other?

Ans: The Kathmandu valley is home to various communities, including Aryans, non-Aryans, Hindus, and Buddhists. These groups live side by side, nurtured by the very soil of Nepal that encourages harmony. Their peaceful coexistence is a testament to the culture of mutual respect and unity that defines the valley.

f. What does the tourist feel about the temple of Adinath?

Ans: Upon seeing the Adinath temple from Chobhar hill, the tourist is moved by how the temple symbolizes Nepalese tolerance and harmony. It stands as a living example of how diverse gods, religions, and philosophies coexist peacefully in Nepal.

g. Why does the guide take the tourist to the remote village?

Ans: The guide leads the tourist to a remote village to reveal the harsher realities of life beyond the picturesque scenery. He wants to show the poverty and struggles of people that are often absent from travel books, novels, or tourist photographs, highlighting a side of Nepal rarely seen by visitors.

h. What does the innocent village couple think of the doctor?

Ans: The humble village couple regards the doctor as if she were their eldest son who has returned from across the seas with a life-saving treatment for their paralyzed son. They hold her in great respect and gratitude for bringing hope to their family.

i. What are the differences between the paralyzed child and his sister?

Ans: The paralyzed boy is severely incapacitated; he cannot speak, move his limbs, chew food, or perform any voluntary movements. His only sign of life is the movement of his eyes. In contrast, his sister is healthy and active, crawling around, exploring her surroundings, and engaging in typical childlike mischief.

j. Why does the guide show the instances of poverty to the tourist?

Ans: The guide wants the tourist to understand the full reality of Nepal beyond its scenic beauty and cultural richness. By exposing her to poverty and suffering, he hopes she will recognize the struggles faced by many locals, which often go unnoticed amidst the more glamorous images seen by outsiders.

a. Which narrative technique is used by the author to tell the story? How is this story different from other stories you have read?

Ans: The author employs the ‘stream of consciousness’ narrative technique, which presents the unfolding thoughts and perceptions of the characters in a natural, flowing manner. This story stands apart because it offers dual perspectives—the voice of a foreign tourist and that of a local guide—thus contrasting the external beauty of Nepal with its internal social realities. Unlike many stories that stick to a single viewpoint, this narrative captures the complexity of experience through multiple lenses.

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

Ans: The author weaves together the tourist’s admiration for Nepal’s outward splendor with the guide’s insight into its hidden hardships. By juxtaposing these two viewpoints, the story provides a balanced picture that highlights both the beauty and the struggles within Nepalese society. This blending creates a cohesive narrative that embraces complexity rather than simplistic portrayals.

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

Ans: The story includes several historical and legendary elements that deepen its meaning:

• Manjushri and the formation of Kathmandu valley: The legend of Manjushri cutting a gorge to drain the lake and create the valley links the landscape to spiritual and mythological origins, emphasizing Nepal’s sacred heritage.
• Cultural treasures from the East: References to Puranas, brass figures, palm leaf manuscripts, and copperplate inscriptions highlight Nepal’s rich cultural contributions to global civilization, underscoring its historical importance.
• The gaze of monks and nuns: This ‘samyak gaze’ symbolizes spiritual purity and compassion, reinforcing themes of holiness and inner peace throughout the story.
• Historical ties with Tibet: Mentioning Nepal’s relationship with Tibet during the Licchavi dynasty situates the story within a broader historical and cultural context of regional exchange.
• The half-closed eyes of Buddha and the setting sun: This imagery conveys a sense of tranquility, harmony, and timelessness that defines Nepal’s spiritual atmosphere.

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.

Ans: Eyes appear repeatedly as a powerful symbol throughout the story, each representing a unique perspective that together unify the narrative. The monks’ and nuns’ ‘samyak gaze’ embodies spiritual clarity and compassion. Eyes in windows and door panels evoke a sense of watchfulness and tradition in everyday life. The Himalayas’ eyes symbolize the grandeur and enduring spirit of the land. The paralyzed boy’s eyes remind readers of human fragility and silent suffering. The welcoming villagers’ eyes reflect kindness and hospitality. Finally, the half-closed eyes of Buddha represent peace and enlightenment. Collectively, these images of eyes bind together themes of culture, spirituality, human experience, and the essence of Nepal, creating a cohesive and meaningful whole.