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Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony Pilgrimage Temple worship - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 3 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 3
Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony Pilgrimage Temple worship. (b) Describ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 3 — Hinduism (15 marks) (a) Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following: Marriage ceremony Pilgrimage Temple worship - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 3 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline ONE significant practice within Hinduism from the following:
Answer
One significant practice within Hinduism is the marriage ceremony. This ceremony, known as 'Vivaha', involves various rituals and customs that symbolize the sacred union of a couple. Key elements include the 'Saptapadi', where the couple takes seven steps together, representing their commitment to each other and to their life journey. The ceremony is often conducted in the presence of family and friends, highlighting the community aspect of Hindu traditions.
Step 2
Describe the contribution to the development and expression of Hinduism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than the Vedas.
Answer
One significant school of thought in Hinduism is the Bhakti Movement, which focused on devotion to a personal god. This movement contributed immensely to the development of Hinduism by promoting the idea of a direct relationship between the devotee and the divine, bypassing traditional rituals and intermediaries. Figures like Ramanuja and Mira Bai emphasized love and devotion over ritualistic practices, making Hinduism more accessible to the common people.
Step 3
Assess the impact on Hinduism of the significant person or school of thought identified in part (b) (i).
Answer
The Bhakti Movement had a profound impact on Hinduism, fostering a more inclusive and egalitarian approach to spirituality. It challenged the rigid caste system by advocating that anyone could achieve salvation through devotion, irrespective of their social status. Additionally, it led to the creation of various devotional poetry and music, enriching Hindu culture and increasing the appeal of Hinduism across diverse social strata. Overall, the Bhakti Movement not only transformed religious practices but also contributed to social reform within Hindu society.