Photo AI
2. (a) Name the Three Jewels - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
2. (a) Name the Three Jewels. (b) Describe one reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya. (c) Give three forms of meditation. (d) Explain the purpose... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2. (a) Name the Three Jewels - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name the Three Jewels.
Answer
The Three Jewels of Buddhism are:
- Buddha - Refers to the enlightened one, Siddhartha Gautama, who discovered the path to enlightenment.
- Dharma - Represents the teachings of the Buddha, which comprise the principles of Buddhism that guide practitioners.
- Sangha - Indicates the community of monks, nuns, and laypeople who follow the Buddhist teachings and support each other in practice.
Step 2
Describe one reason Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya.
Answer
One important reason Buddhists undertake a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya is to visit the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. This location is sacred, as it is where Siddhartha Gautama achieved Nirvana under the Bodhi tree. Pilgrims believe that visiting this site can enhance their spiritual practice, deepen their understanding of the Dharma, and strengthen their connection to the Buddha.
Step 3
Give three forms of meditation.
Answer
Three forms of meditation in Buddhism include:
- Samatha - This is calming meditation, focusing on tranquility and concentration, often using techniques like breath awareness.
- Vipassana - Known as insight meditation, it encourages practitioners to see things as they truly are, developing wisdom through mindfulness.
- Metta Bhavana - This is the practice of loving-kindness meditation, where individuals cultivate an attitude of love and kindness towards all beings.
Step 4
Explain the purpose of Uposatha Days for some Buddhists.
Answer
Uposatha Days serve several important purposes for Buddhists:
- Spiritual Reflection: These days are dedicated to intensifying spiritual practices, encouraging practitioners to reflect on their actions and intentions.
- Community Gathering: Uposatha provides an opportunity for laypeople to gather at temples to listen to teachings, participate in rituals, and engage in community activities.
- Observance of Precepts: Many Buddhists use these days to deepen their commitment by observing additional precepts, strengthening their moral conduct and spiritual development.
Step 5
"Death rituals are not important to all Buddhists." Discuss this statement.
Answer
The importance of death rituals in Buddhism varies among different cultures and interpretations of the faith. On one hand, some Buddhist traditions place great emphasis on death rituals, viewing them as essential for guiding the deceased in their next rebirth. For instance, the Tibetan Book of the Dead provides instructions for helping the deceased navigate the afterlife.
Conversely, certain sects, particularly those influenced by Pure Land Buddhism, might view practices surrounding death as less significant, focusing instead on faith in Amida Buddha for salvation.
Ultimately, the significance of death rituals can reflect broader perspectives in Buddhism, highlighting a range of beliefs from strict observances to a more simplified approach to death, which may lessen the importance placed on rituals for some.