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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. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________... 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 prominent Buddhist festivals include:
- Vesak or Buddha Day: Celebrated in honor of the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, this festival is among the most significant across various Buddhist traditions.
- Uposatha: A day for the observance of the Buddha's teachings, generally occurring on full moon days, where Buddhists engage in meditation and rituals.
- Losar: The Tibetan New Year festival marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, celebrated with various rituals, family gatherings, and cultural performances.
Step 2
Describe one way in which a Buddhist might worship at home.
Answer
One common way a Buddhist might worship at home is by creating a home shrine. This shrine typically includes a statue or image of the Buddha, along with candles, incense, and offerings such as flowers or fruit. The worshiper may engage in meditation, chant mantras, or recite sutras before the shrine, thereby cultivating a spiritual atmosphere conducive to practice and reflection.
Step 3
State three Buddhist beliefs about death.
Answer
Buddhists hold several important beliefs about death:
- Rebirth: They believe that death is not the end, but a transition to another life, where one is reborn based on their karma.
- Impermanence: Death serves as a reminder of the impermanent nature of all things, reinforcing the concept of change in life.
- Nirvana: Buddhists believe that reaching Nirvana signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieving ultimate peace and enlightenment.
Step 4
Describe what Buddhists believe about the Sangha.
Answer
The Sangha is regarded as a vital community within Buddhism, consisting of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners. Buddhists believe that the Sangha plays a crucial role in preserving the Buddha's teachings and providing a supportive environment for practice. It serves as a source of guidance and inspiration, encouraging members to learn from one another and work towards enlightenment. The Sangha also emphasizes the importance of collective practice, thereby reinforcing ethical living and community values.
Step 5
'Pilgrimage should be important to all Buddhists.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The significance of pilgrimage in Buddhism can be seen from multiple perspectives. For many, pilgrimages to sacred sites, such as Lumbini or Bodh Gaya, serve as spiritual journeys that deepen understanding of the Buddha's life and teachings. They embody a physical manifestation of devotion and commitment to one's faith.
However, others might argue that while pilgrimage has its benefits, it should not be deemed essential for all Buddhists, as spiritual development can also occur through everyday practices such as meditation and community involvement. Some traditions emphasize internal pilgrimage over physical travel, valuing personal spiritual growth as the core of Buddhist practice. Thus, the importance of pilgrimage varies among Buddhists, shaped by individual beliefs and community teachings.