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2 (a) Name three Buddhist festivals - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) Name three Buddhist festivals. (b) Describe one way in which a Buddhist might worship at home. (c) State three Buddhist beliefs about death. (d) De... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) Name three Buddhist festivals - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name three Buddhist festivals.
Answer
Three significant Buddhist festivals include:
- Vesak: Celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
- Uposatha: Observed monthly, focusing on meditation and purification.
- Parinirvana Day: Commemorating the death of the Buddha and reflecting on the nature of life and death.
Step 2
Describe one way in which a Buddhist might worship at home.
Answer
A Buddhist might worship at home by creating a shrine with a statue of the Buddha. This shrine could include candles, incense, and offerings such as flowers or fruit. Daily practices may involve meditation, chanting, and making offerings to the Buddha to cultivate mindfulness and spiritual growth.
Step 3
State three Buddhist beliefs about death.
Answer
Buddhist beliefs about death include:
- Life is cyclical: Death is not the end but part of the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
- Nirvana: The ultimate goal of escaping the cycle of samsara by achieving enlightenment.
- Impermanence: Recognizing that all life is impermanent and death reminds us to cherish our time.
Step 4
Describe what Buddhists believe about the Sangha.
Answer
Buddhists believe the Sangha is the community of monks and nuns committed to following the Buddha's teachings. The Sangha plays a crucial role in preserving the Dhamma and providing guidance to lay people. It is also seen as a source of support and inspiration. Furthermore, the Sangha exemplifies a life dedicated to spiritual development and communal harmony.
Step 5
'Pilgrimage should be important to all Buddhists.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The importance of pilgrimage in Buddhism varies widely among practitioners. For some, visiting sacred sites like Lumbini or Bodh Gaya is vital for spiritual growth, offering a deep connection to the Buddha's life. However, others might argue that true practice occurs in day-to-day life, and pilgrimage is not essential for enlightenment. Analysis of different perspectives highlights that while pilgrimage can enhance one's faith, it is ultimately the intention and practice that matter most in Buddhist philosophy.