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(a) Outline three Hindu beliefs about peacemaking - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
(a) Outline three Hindu beliefs about peacemaking. (b) Explain two Hindu attitudes to weapons of mass destruction. (c) Explain two Hindu teachings about passive re... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Outline three Hindu beliefs about peacemaking - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Hindu beliefs about peacemaking.
Answer
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Ahimsa (Non-violence): Central to Hinduism, ahimsa promotes non-violence in thought, word, and deed. Hindus believe that true peace can only be achieved when all living beings are free from harm.
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Satyagraha (Truth-force): This principle asserts that adhering to truth and justice can lead to non-violent resistance against oppression. Gandhi exemplified this belief in his peaceful protests.
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Karma (Action and Consequences): Hindus believe that our actions have consequences, both in this life and in future incarnations. Hence, promoting peace and harmony is essential for positive karma.
Step 2
Explain two Hindu attitudes to weapons of mass destruction.
Answer
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Rejection of Violence: Many Hindus oppose weapons of mass destruction as they contradict the principle of ahimsa. Such weapons cause indiscriminate harm and suffering, which is against the teachings of Hinduism.
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Karma and Dharma: Hindus view the use of weapons of mass destruction as leading to severe negative karma. By acting against dharma (moral duty), the repercussions not only affect the immediate targets but also those who use them, endangering their spiritual journey.
Step 3
Explain two Hindu teachings about passive resistance.
Answer
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Gandhi's Philosophy: Gandhi emphasized passive resistance or 'Satyagraha' as a means to fight oppression without resorting to violence. He believed that enduring suffering for a righteous cause elevates the moral stance of the resister. This teaching is rooted in Hindu principles of truth and non-violence.
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Bhagavad Gita Teachings: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his dharma (duty) without attachment to the results. This implies that one can resist injustice through righteous actions while remaining detached from the immediate consequences, embodying the essence of passive resistance.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For the Statement:
- Humility and Guidance: Many Hindus believe that understanding different perspectives, including non-religious ones, can prevent conflicts. They argue that humility allows individuals to learn from others.
- Philosophical Insights: In Hinduism, the quest for spiritual growth often transcends religion. For instance, wisdom from spiritual leaders (gurus) emphasizes coexistence beyond religious divides.
Arguments Against the Statement:
- Religious Conflicts: There are numerous instances where religion, including Hinduism, has been the catalyst for conflict, often due to fundamentalist interpretations.
- Manipulation of Beliefs: Religion can sometimes be manipulated by leaders for power, inciting violence and conflict under the guise of faith.
Conclusion:
While religion can contribute to conflict, it is not the sole cause. Social, political, and economic factors play significant roles. Thus, the statement can be viewed as partially true, as it oversimplifies complex human interactions.