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Question 1 — Buddhism (15 marks) (a) (i) Outline ONE significant practice within Buddhism from the following: • Pilgrimage • Temple Puja • Wesak - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 1
Question 1 — Buddhism (15 marks) (a) (i) Outline ONE significant practice within Buddhism from the following: • Pilgrimage • Temple Puja • Wesak. (ii) How signifi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 1 — Buddhism (15 marks) (a) (i) Outline ONE significant practice within Buddhism from the following: • Pilgrimage • Temple Puja • Wesak - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline ONE significant practice within Buddhism from the following: • Pilgrimage, • Temple Puja, • Wesak.
Answer
One significant practice within Buddhism is Temple Puja. Temple Puja refers to the worship rituals conducted within a temple setting, where Buddhists engage in various devotional activities. This practice typically involves offerings, chanting, and meditation. The purpose of Temple Puja is to cultivate a sense of community, express reverence for the Buddha, and seek spiritual guidance. It serves as a way for practitioners to connect with their spiritual beliefs and reinforce their commitment to the teachings of Buddhism.
Step 2
How significant for the Buddhist community is the practice identified in part (a) (i)?
Answer
The practice of Temple Puja holds great significance for the Buddhist community. Firstly, it fosters a sense of belonging and community among practitioners. During collective worship, individuals share their piety and experience a connection with fellow Buddhists. Secondly, Temple Puja serves as an essential educational tool, where teachings of the Buddha are recited and understood within the context of worship. Lastly, it contributes to personal spiritual development by creating an environment conducive to reflection and mindfulness, which are core values in Buddhism.
Step 3
Explain ethical teaching in Buddhism in one of the following areas: • Bioethics
Answer
In the context of bioethics, Buddhism emphasizes the principle of ahimsa, or non-harm, which shapes its approach to medical practices and ethical decisions about life and death. This ethical framework values the sanctity of life, seeing it as interconnected. For example, decisions surrounding euthanasia, stem-cell research, and reproductive technologies are approached with caution, balancing compassion for suffering against the potential for harm. Furthermore, Buddhist teachings advocate for mindfulness and intentionality in medical interventions, ensuring that actions are aligned with the fundamental values of compassion and understanding.