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1. What is the purpose of ecumenical dialogue? (A) Conversion (B) Unification (C) Social justice (D) Mutual understanding (a) Outline the contribution of ONE significant person or school of thought other than the Buddha to the development and expression of Buddhism - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 1 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 1
1. What is the purpose of ecumenical dialogue? (A) Conversion (B) Unification (C) Social justice (D) Mutual understanding (a) Outline ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. What is the purpose of ecumenical dialogue? (A) Conversion (B) Unification (C) Social justice (D) Mutual understanding (a) Outline the contribution of ONE significant person or school of thought other than the Buddha to the development and expression of Buddhism - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 1 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the contribution of ONE significant person or school of thought other than the Buddha to the development and expression of Buddhism.
Answer
One significant figure in the development of Buddhism is Nagarjuna. He was a pivotal philosopher in the 2nd century CE who developed the concept of 'Dependent Origination' and the doctrine of 'Emptiness' (Śūnyatā). Nagarjuna's work contributed to the Mahayana tradition by offering a radical interpretation of the Buddha's teachings, emphasizing that all phenomena are interdependent and devoid of inherent self-existence. This approach not only shaped Mahayana Buddhism's understanding of reality but also influenced the development of various Buddhist schools that focus on doctrinal analysis and debates.
Step 2
Summarise the impact of the significant person or school of thought chosen in part (a).
Answer
Nagarjuna's teachings had a profound impact on the evolution of Buddhist philosophy. His ideas provided a framework for understanding the nature of reality, leading to the establishment of the Madhyamaka school of thought. This school emphasized the middle way between existence and non-existence, fostering deeper philosophical inquiry and debate within the Buddhist community. Furthermore, Nagarjuna's influence can be seen in the integration of philosophical reasoning into Buddhist practice, which has been pivotal for contemporary interpretations of Buddhism, encouraging practitioners to engage with complex philosophical ideas.
Step 3
Buddhism responds creatively to new challenges.
Answer
The statement reflects the impact of Nagarjuna by highlighting how his teachings allowed Buddhism to adapt to philosophical challenges over centuries. His work on Emptiness has enabled followers to reinterpret Buddhist principles in light of new cultural and philosophical contexts, thereby keeping the tradition relevant. In the face of modern existential challenges, Nagarjuna's contributions encourage a flexible understanding of Buddhist doctrines, promoting dialogue with contemporary issues such as ethics and scientific inquiry. This adaptability illustrates Buddhism's capacity for creative responses to new challenges, maintaining its integrity as a living tradition.