Religious practices of Buddhism

    OCR
    GCSE

    This component necessitates a critical examination of Buddhist practices as the external manifestation of internal Dhamma. Candidates must analyze the divergence and convergence between Theravada and Mahayana traditions regarding worship (Puja), meditation (Bhavana), and ethical conduct (Sila). Assessment focuses on the soteriological function of rituals, the distinction between Samatha and Vipassana meditation, and the cultural adaptation of festivals. Mastery requires linking specific practices to core doctrinal concepts such as Anicca, Anatta, and Dependent Origination.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Five Precepts (Pancca Sila) and their application.
    • The Six Perfections (Paramitas) in the Mahayana tradition.
    • Samatha vs. Vipassana meditation aims and methods.
    • Significance of Wesak and Parinirvana Day festivals.
    • Death rites: Sky burial (Tibetan) vs. Pure Land rituals.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the ritual correctly, now explain how it helps a Buddhist generate merit (punna)."
    • "Include a specific quote from the Dhammapada or reference to the Pali Canon to support this point."
    • "Differentiate between how a Theravada Buddhist and a Mahayana Buddhist might approach this ethical dilemma."
    • "Your evaluation needs a stronger judgment; explain *why* the counter-argument is less convincing."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise distinction between Samatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation techniques.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the Five Precepts to the concept of Kamma and rebirth.
    • Candidates must cite specific Sources of Wisdom and Authority (e.g., The Dhammapada, The Pali Canon) to support claims about worship.
    • Reward analysis that explains the functional difference between a Temple (place of worship) and a Vihara (monastery) in lay vs. monastic communities.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For 'Discuss' questions (15 marks), ensure you evaluate the statement from both Theravada and Mahayana perspectives where relevant.
    • 💡Always define key Sanskrit/Pali terms (e.g., 'Puja', 'Mantra') immediately upon use to demonstrate AO1 knowledge.
    • 💡Do not just list the Five Precepts; explain the karmic consequence of breaching them.
    • 💡Allocate 20 minutes for the 15-mark essay to ensure a fully developed conclusion is reached.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating the Buddha with a theistic God; implying worship is for granting favours rather than showing respect/gratitude.
    • Failing to distinguish between Wesak (celebrating birth, enlightenment, death) and Parinirvana Day (Mahayana focus on death).
    • Describing meditation generically without using specific terminology like 'Samadhi', 'Bhavana', or 'Zazen'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Outline
    Explain
    Compare
    Discuss
    Evaluate

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