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2 (a) Describe the concept of Sanatana Dharma - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) Describe the concept of Sanatana Dharma. (3) (b) Outline the relationship between dharma and the ashramas. (3) (c) Describe the state of jivan mukti. (3) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) Describe the concept of Sanatana Dharma - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the concept of Sanatana Dharma.
Answer
Sanatana Dharma, often translated as 'eternal duty' or 'eternal religion', refers to a set of universal principles that transcend sectarian beliefs. It is a philosophy that embodies the idea of dharma—righteousness, moral order, and ethical conduct that is consistent across time and space. This concept emphasizes the importance of individual and societal responsibilities, suggesting that each person has a duty to uphold moral values in their life.
Sanatana Dharma also incorporates the concepts of truth, duty, order, and law within its framework. Unlike organized religions that may have a definitive dogma, Sanatana Dharma is seen as a way of life that promotes harmony among all living beings. It evolves with time, accommodating new interpretations and practices while maintaining core ethical tenets.
Step 2
Outline the relationship between dharma and the ashramas.
Answer
The relationship between dharma and the ashramas is fundamental to understanding one's duties throughout life. The ashrama system outlines four stages of life: Brahmacharya (student phase), Grihastha (household phase), Vanaprastha (hermit phase), and Sannyasa (renounced phase). Each stage has specific dharmic responsibilities that one is expected to fulfill.
For instance, in the Grihastha stage, an individual is expected to maintain family integrity and contribute to society. Meanwhile, the Vanaprastha and Sannyasa stages shift the focus towards spiritual growth and detachment from material concerns. Consequently, the ashramas serve as a practical guide for living according to dharma at various life stages.
Step 3
Describe the state of jivan mukti.
Answer
Jivan mukti refers to the state of liberation while still in the physical body. Individuals who attain jivan mukti experience a profound sense of freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This state indicates that the person has attained self-realization and has recognized their ultimate identity with Brahman, the universal soul.
In this liberated state, individuals live detached from worldly concerns and ego, embodying peace and bliss. They have overcome the dualities of existence, such as pleasure and pain, and act from a place of knowledge and love rather than ignorance and desire.
Step 4
Outline the ways astanga or raja yoga is different from the other margas.
Answer
Astanga yoga, also known as raja yoga, differs from other paths such as karma yoga (the path of action) and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion) in its structured approach to achieving self-realization. Raja yoga emphasizes a disciplined practice involving eight limbs: Yama (ethics), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption).
This systematic method aims for mental clarity and spiritual growth, which sets it apart from karma yoga's focus on selfless action and bhakti yoga's emphasis on devotion to a personal deity. Raja yoga integrates physical, mental, and spiritual practices, creating a comprehensive roadmap for achieving enlightenment.