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2 (a) Name the Three Jewels - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) Name the Three Jewels. (b) Describe one reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya. (c) Give three forms of meditation. (d) Explain the purpose ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) Name the Three Jewels - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name the Three Jewels.
Answer
The Three Jewels in Buddhism are:
- Buddha - This refers to the enlightened one, Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and shared his teachings.
- Dharma - This represents the teachings of the Buddha, which guide practitioners on their spiritual path.
- Sangha - This refers to the community of monks, nuns, and laypeople who follow the Buddhist teachings.
Step 2
Describe one reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya.
Answer
One reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya is to experience the sacred site where the Buddha attained enlightenment. This pilgrimage offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection, connection to the Buddha's legacy, and a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings in a place of historical significance.
Step 3
Give three forms of meditation.
Answer
Three forms of meditation in Buddhism include:
- Mindfulness Meditation (Samatha) - This practice involves focusing on the breath and becoming aware of thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Loving-kindness Meditation (Metta) - This form involves cultivating feelings of compassion and love towards oneself and others.
- Insight Meditation (Vipassana) - This practice focuses on gaining insight into the nature of reality and understanding the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self characteristics of existence.
Step 4
Explain the purpose of Uposatha Days for some Buddhists.
Answer
Uposatha Days are observed by some Buddhists as a means of deepening their spiritual practice. The purposes include:
- Reflection and Purification - Buddhists take this day to reflect on their actions, purify their minds, and renew their commitment to the Buddhist teachings.
- Enhanced Practice - Many engage more intensely in meditation, study of scriptures, and rituals to enrich their spiritual lives.
- Community Involvement - Uposatha is also a time for communal prayer and gatherings, strengthening the bonds of the Sangha and fostering support among practitioners.
Step 5
'Death rituals are not important to all Buddhists.' Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should: Analyse and evaluate the importance of points of view, referring to common and divergent views within Buddhism.
Answer
The statement invites a discussion on the varied significance of death rituals in Buddhism. While some sects emphasize the importance of rituals to guide the deceased and aid rebirth, others may view them as less essential.
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Common Views: Many Buddhists, particularly in traditions such as Tibetan Buddhism, place great importance on death rituals, believing they help in the transition of the soul to the next life. Texts like the 'Bardo Thodol' (Tibetan Book of the Dead) provide guidance for the dying and their families.
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Divergent Views: Conversely, some sects, like certain Zen Buddhists, might see rituals as distractions from the core teachings of impermanence and non-self. They may emphasize direct experience over ritual practices.
In conclusion, while death rituals hold significant meaning in many Buddhist traditions, their importance can vary greatly depending on the interpreting lineage and personal belief. Referring to teachings from respected sources like the Pali Canon or various Mahayana texts can further illuminate this multifaceted perspective.