GCSE OCR Religious Studies Buddhism Key Practices: Ethics: 1 (a) Outline the difference bet

Question

1 (a) Outline the difference between sakam karma and nishkam karma.

Sakam karma refers to actions performed with a desire for personal gain, where the individual is motivated by the results or rewards of their actions. This approach often leads to a binding relationship with the material world, as it is driven by selfish desires and expectations.

On the other hand, nishkam karma is the concept of selfless action, where individuals perform their duties without any attachment to the outcomes. This approach is considered more spiritually beneficial as it helps in reducing the ego and attachments, leading towards liberation (moksha).

(b) Describe one Hindu belief about the nature of the divine.

Hindus typically believe in a supreme reality called Brahman, which is the ultimate source of all existence. They understand Brahman to be eternal, formless, and beyond all attributes. This encompassing nature means that everything in the universe is an expression of Brahman, indicating that the divine exists in all aspects of life.

(c) Describe what Hindus mean when they use the term 'liberation'.

In Hinduism, 'liberation' (moksha) signifies the release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It represents a state of eternal bliss and unity with Brahman, where the individual soul (atman) recognizes its true nature and ceases to identify with the temporary physical body and worldly attachments.

(d) Explain why Hindus might disagree about the relationship between Brahman and the world.

Hindus have various interpretations of the relationship between Brahman and the world. Some view Brahman as transcendent, existing beyond the material world, while others see Brahman as immanent, present within all aspects of the world. These differing perspectives lead to debates about the nature of reality and the divine.

(e) 'People have no control over their future rebirths.'
Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should:
- Analyse and evaluate the importance of points of view, referring to common and divergent views within Hinduism.
- Refer to sources of wisdom and authority.

This statement can be considered from multiple perspectives in Hinduism. Some schools of thought emphasize the law of karma, positing that one's actions directly influence future rebirths. Thus, individuals can exercise control over their actions to shape their karmic consequences. In contrast, other viewpoints may argue that certain aspects of life are predestined, suggesting that individuals have limited control over their rebirths. Texts like the Bhagavad Gita illustrate these concepts as they explore the dynamics between free will and fate.

1 (a) Outline the difference between sakam karma and nishkam karma - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Outline the difference between sakam karma and nishkam karma - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1

Outline the difference between sakam karma and nishkam karma.

Describe one Hindu belief about the nature of the divine.

Describe what Hindus mean when they use the term 'liberation'.

Explain why Hindus might disagree about the relationship between Brahman and the world.

Discuss this statement: 'People have no control over their future rebirths.'

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