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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 o... 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 of Buddhism are:
- Buddha - The enlightened one who discovered the path to enlightenment.
- Dharma - The teachings and laws of Buddhism that guide practitioners towards enlightenment.
- Sangha - The community of monks, nuns, and laypersons who follow the teachings of the Buddha.
Step 2
Describe one reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya.
Answer
Buddhists may go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya because it is the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. The spiritual significance of visiting the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, offers pilgrims a deep connection to their faith and provides them an opportunity to reflect on their spiritual journey.
Step 3
Give three forms of meditation.
Answer
Three forms of meditation commonly practiced in Buddhism are:
- Mindfulness Meditation (Vipassana) - Focuses on being aware of the present moment and observing one's thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Loving-kindness Meditation (Metta) - Involves cultivating an attitude of love and compassion towards oneself and others.
- Zen Meditation (Zazen) - A form of seated meditation that emphasizes stillness and concentration, often practiced in silence.
Step 4
Explain the purpose of Uposatha Days for some Buddhists.
Answer
Uposatha Days hold significant importance for many Buddhists as they are observed for the purpose of spiritual reflection, renewal, and practice. During these days, practitioners traditionally engage in intensified meditation, observe precepts more strictly, and participate in community gatherings. Uposatha serves as a reminder to focus on ethical conduct, purification of the mind, and deepening one’s commitment to the Dharma.
Step 5
"Death rituals are not important to all Buddhists." Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement that 'Death rituals are not important to all Buddhists' invites analysis of varying perspectives within the Buddhist tradition.
While some Buddhists view death rituals as vital for providing guidance to the deceased and aiding their journey towards rebirth, others may see them as less significant, focusing on individual spiritual practice and understanding impermanence instead.
For instance, Theravada Buddhists may uphold the importance of ceremonies, such as merit-making, to assist the deceased, whereas some Zen practitioners might prioritize direct meditation over formal rituals.
It’s crucial to refer to sources of wisdom and authority in this discussion, highlighting the teachings of different schools of Buddhism and the writings of respected figures like the Dalai Lama. Such sources may emphasize the varying interpretations of the importance of rituals, illustrating both commonalities and divergences within the tradition.