Enlightenment
What Enlightenment means in Religious Studies GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Enlightenment
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Reference: AQA
A goal towards which Samatha meditation acts as a crucial stepping stone by settling turbulent thoughts and preparing the mind for deeper insight.
The goal aided by focusing the mind and cultivating positive qualities through practices such as chanting, reciting mantras and making offerings.
A profound spiritual awakening where an individual gains ultimate truth and deep knowledge about the divine or ultimate reality.
The goal achieved by understanding dependent arising, breaking the links, eliminating craving and ultimately achieving Nibbana.
The ultimate goal regarding which Theravada and Mahayana beliefs are distinguished, expressed as Arhat versus Bodhisattva.
The goal ultimately paved the way to by zazen's direct, intuitive understanding of reality and one's own Buddha-nature.
Topics that use Enlightenment
- Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (AQA GCSE)
- Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings (AQA GCSE)
- Key Beliefs (AQA GCSE)
- Theme C: The existence of God and revelation (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Samsara
- Anatta (No-self)
- Buddha-nature
- Compassion (Karuna)
- Dukkha
- Dukkha (Suffering)
- Mahayana Buddhism
- Nature of God
Using Enlightenment in the exam
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