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Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 3 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 3
Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony. Pilgrimage. Temple worship. (b) Des... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 3 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony.
Answer
One significant practice within Hinduism is the marriage ceremony, known as 'Vivaha.' This ceremony is considered a sacred rite and is designed to unite a couple not only for this life but also for future incarnations. Key features include:
- Rituals and Customs: The ceremony involves various rituals such as 'Saptapadi' (seven steps), where the couple takes seven vows together, symbolizing their commitment.
- Celebration: Marriage in Hinduism is a joyous occasion, often celebrated with elaborate festivities that include family gatherings, music, dance, and feasting.
- Spiritual Significance: It is believed that the marriage will help the couple fulfill their dharma (moral duties) and progress on their spiritual path together.
Step 2
Describe the contribution to the development and expression of Hinduism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than the Vedas.
Answer
One significant school of thought in Hinduism is Advaita Vedanta, primarily articulated by the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The contribution of this school is profound:
- Non-Dualism: Advaita Vedanta promotes the philosophical concept of non-dualism (Advaita), which posits that the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one. This idea has reshaped the spiritual landscape of Hinduism by emphasizing the unity of existence.
- Commentaries on Key Texts: Shankaracharya wrote extensive commentaries on spiritual texts such as the Upanishads, which helped clarify and propagate the understanding of Brahman and Atman, making spiritual concepts accessible to a wider audience.
- Influence on Bhakti Movement: His teachings also indirectly influenced the Bhakti movement, which emphasized personal devotion to a deity, thereby making spiritual practice more accessible to the masses.
Step 3
Assess the impact on Hinduism of the significant person or school of thought identified in part (b) (i).
Answer
The impact of Advaita Vedanta and Adi Shankaracharya on Hinduism is notable:
- Reformulation of Beliefs: The emphasis on non-dualism reshaped many Hindu beliefs, moving towards a more philosophical understanding of divinity and reality.
- Facilitation of Debate: His works fostered intellectual debate within Hinduism, encouraging different schools of thought to articulate their philosophies, ultimately enriching the tradition.
- Cultural Influence: Advaita Vedanta led to the proliferation of temples and communities focused on worship and philosophical inquiry, thus creating a vibrant spiritual culture.
- Enduring Legacy: The teachings and ideas presented by Shankaracharya continue to influence contemporary Hindu thought, sustaining relevance in modern spiritual discourse.