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Question 1: Buddhist Beliefs (a) Outline three Buddhist beliefs about dukkha - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
Question 1: Buddhist Beliefs (a) Outline three Buddhist beliefs about dukkha. (b) Explain two reasons why sunnata is important to Buddhists. (c) Explain two reaso... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 1: Buddhist Beliefs (a) Outline three Buddhist beliefs about dukkha - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Buddhist beliefs about dukkha.
Answer
- Suffering is Central: Buddhists believe that all life involves suffering (dukkha), which is a fundamental aspect of existence.
- Relief from Suffering: They believe that by alleviating suffering, they can gain merit and cultivate good karma.
- The Middle Way: The understanding of dukkha motivates followers to pursue the Middle Way, which provides a balanced approach to living and spiritual practice.
Step 2
Explain two reasons why sunnata is important to Buddhists.
Answer
- Understanding Emptiness: Sunnata (emptiness) is crucial as it encourages Buddhists to understand that all phenomena are transient and devoid of inherent existence, leading to a deeper insight into the nature of reality.
- Reduction of Attachment: Recognizing emptiness helps in reducing attachment and desire, which are the roots of suffering, facilitating progress toward enlightenment.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why the Second Noble Truth is important to Buddhists.
Answer
- Identification of Suffering’s Cause: The Second Noble Truth teaches that suffering arises from desire (tanha), which is essential for Buddhists to understand to overcome suffering (The Buddha stated, "All phenomena are rooted in desire").
- Path to Liberation: It highlights that by recognizing and overcoming desire, one can escape the cycle of suffering, emphasizing the importance of the Middle Way as a solution.
Step 4
Evaluate the statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For: The Buddha's enlightenment is pivotal as it offered a solution to suffering and provided insights into the nature of reality, serving as the foundation for Buddhist teachings. Without his enlightenment, the teachings of Buddhism might not have existed, meaning his experience holds significant importance.
Arguments Against: Alternatively, some may argue that the Four Sights (old age, sickness, death, and asceticism) were equally important, as they led the Buddha to seek enlightenment. Additionally, the doctrine of the Middle Way offers essential guidance for practitioners, suggesting that the path followed by the Buddha is equally crucial. Thus, while enlightenment is vital, it is just one aspect of a comprehensive spiritual journey.