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1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism. (b) Describe how Buddhist teachings could be applied to the issue of contr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Relationships and families (a) Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one purpose of marriage according to Buddhism.
Answer
One purpose of marriage in Buddhism is to create a stable environment for raising children. This aligns with the Buddhist view of family, where nurturing the next generation is vital for societal and spiritual continuity. By fostering a supportive family unit, marriage can also help channel sexual desire positively, preventing it from becoming an obstacle to enlightenment.
Step 2
Describe how Buddhist teachings could be applied to the issue of contraception.
Answer
Buddhist teachings emphasize compassion and mindfulness, which can be applied to the issue of contraception. For instance, the use of contraception can be seen as a responsible choice that allows couples to plan their families and ensure they can provide adequately for their children. It helps avoid situations that could lead to potential suffering caused by unplanned pregnancies. However, some Buddhists may have differing views regarding contraception, depending on their interpretation of the Precepts, particularly the Third Precept, which advises against sexual misconduct.
Step 3
Explain why Buddhists might have different attitudes towards questions of sexual misconduct.
Answer
Buddhists may hold varying attitudes toward sexual misconduct due to different schools of thought and cultural influences. For example, some may strictly follow the Precepts, viewing all forms of premarital or extramarital sexual relations as misconduct, while others may focus on the intention and context, arguing that consensual relationships grounded in love and compassion may not align with misconduct. Additionally, various texts and teachings, such as the Bardo Thodol, which discusses the implications of actions on rebirth, could influence believers' views.
Step 4
'Marriage is nothing to do with religion for Buddhists.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
This statement can be understood in several ways. On one hand, Buddhism doesn't mandate marriage as a religious obligation, focusing instead on individual spiritual development. Many Buddhists may view marriage as a social or cultural practice rather than a sacred rite. On the other hand, certain Buddhist teachings do regard marriage as a significant partnership that contributes to one's moral and spiritual growth. The role of marriage in promoting harmony, compassion, and future karmic implications may suggest a deeper connection to one's spiritual path than simply being a secular arrangement. Therefore, while marriage might not be strictly religious in Buddhism, it holds profound significance for those who choose to engage in it within a Buddhist framework.