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'For Hindus, love is the most important of the personal virtues.' Evaluate this statement - AQA - GCSE Religious Studies: A (8062) - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 5
'For Hindus, love is the most important of the personal virtues.' Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: - refer to Hindu teaching - give reasoned arg... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'For Hindus, love is the most important of the personal virtues.' Evaluate this statement - AQA - GCSE Religious Studies: A (8062) - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Refer to Hindu teaching
Answer
Hindu teachings emphasize love, particularly in the context of Bhakti yoga, which focuses on devotion to the deities. This devotion is considered a means to achieve moksha, the ultimate goal of Hindu life. Scriptures highlight that love motivates individuals to perform good deeds and help others, which is essential in building good karma. As stated in the Bhagavata Purana, loving and caring for others is integral to one's spiritual journey.
Step 2
Give reasoned arguments to support this statement
Answer
Love underpins many virtues within Hindu philosophy, such as compassion, empathy, and respect. It is argued that love leads to the practice of ahimsa (non-violence), which is central to Hindu ethics. Furthermore, as people engage in loving acts, they foster community and harmony, reflecting a core directive of Hinduism to live in peace with others. This holistic perspective makes love fundamentally important, arguably more than other virtues.
Step 3
Give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view
Answer
While love is significant, other virtues like ahimsa (non-violence) and self-discipline can also be argued to hold greater importance. These principles are often highlighted in Hindu scripture, demonstrating that adherence to such virtues can lead to spiritual growth and social stability. Without self-control, for instance, love may lead to actions that harm others, which contradicts the essence of Hindu teachings.
Step 4
Reach a justified conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while love undoubtedly plays a vital role in Hindu philosophy and practice, it is essential to recognize that it operates in synergy with other virtues. Therefore, rather than viewing love in isolation as the most important virtue, it can be argued that a balance among various virtues—including compassion, non-violence, and self-discipline—constitutes a more comprehensive understanding of Hindu ethical teachings.