1 (a) Name the three heavenly realms of the Tri-Murti - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

Darshan refers to the visual spiritual experience of seeing and being seen by the divine or a deity. It is often practiced in Hindu rituals where devotees visit temples to view the murti (idol) of God, facilitating a connection with the divine presence.

Three moral duties (yamas) for Hindus include:

1. Ahimsa - Non-violence towards all living beings.
2. Satya - Truthfulness in thought, word, and action.
3. Asteya - Non-stealing, respecting others' belongings and rights.

In Hinduism, karma represents the law of cause and effect, where every action has consequences. It plays a crucial role in samsara, the cycle of rebirth. Good actions lead to positive karma, resulting in favorable rebirths, while negative actions accumulate negative karma, leading to suffering in future lives. Thus, one’s current actions directly influence their future existence, emphasizing moral living and the pursuit of dharma.

This statement invites an analysis of the diverse views within Hinduism regarding moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. While some sects advocate for a singular path, such as devotion (bhakti) to a specific deity, others propose multiple avenues including knowledge (jnana) and righteous action (karma). The interpretation of scriptures can vary, drawing from different sources of wisdom and authority, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, which emphasize varied spiritual practices. Ultimately, the understanding of moksha as achievable through multiple paths reflects the plurality within the tradition, encouraging individual exploration and spiritual development.