Buddhism Questions

Página 1

Analyse the relationship between Dukkha and Nibbana (10)

Dukkha is one of the Three Marks of Existence. It is suffering. We suffer because we are ignorant of the truth but we are also ignorant to the fact that we are suffering. This leads us to act in unskillful ways which gives us negative kamma. This negative kamma will impact our future rebirths and affect our chance at attaining nibbana (enlightenment). This makes us stuck in samsara and stuck suffering as we haven't achieved nibbana which is the cessation of suffering. To gain positive kamma we have to have wisdom to see how things really are. When we accept this we can realise the interconnectedness of things and accept their impermanence. This will lead us to the skilful actions, motivated by loving kindness and compassion, for positive kamma. This will then let us gain enlightenment and escape from samsara.

Página 2

Analyse the relationship between Anicca and Nibbana (10)

anicca - ignorance - unskilful - dukkha - samsara - nibbana

Página 3

Analyse the relationship between Samsara and Nibbana (10)

Samsara is the cycle of life, suffering, death, and rebirth. There are six realms of samsara in Mahayana Buddhism and five realms of samsara in Theravada Buddhism. The realms are the deva realm, the asura realm, the human realm, the animal realm, the hungry ghosts realm, and the hell realm. In Theravada Buddhism the deva and asura realms are joined into one. The realm of your rebirth is changed due to your kamma. Kamma is gained through your actions. The more positive kamma you gain through skillful actions the better realm you will have for your rebirth. Unskillful action leads to negative kamma which will lead you to a rebirth in a lower realm. The best realm to be born into is the human realm as it is the only one where you can achieve nibbana.

Nibbana is the cessation of suffering, it is enlightenment. This is the goal for all Buddhism. Nibbana can be achieved through accepting the three marks of existence. These are anicca, anatta, and dukkha. The Buddha said that nibbana can't be explained, it can only be experienced. He said that it was like a slave being set free.

Samsara and nibbana are linked as to escape samsara you have to achieve nibbana. Without nibbana you are stuck in something suffering.

Página 4

Analyse the purpose of following the Five Precepts (10)

False speech - lying/gossiping/general chat -> 3 root poisons -> samsara

No harming sentient beings - (1) because harming others results in harm to themselves because there is no self (anatta) -> (2) kamma, skilful and unskillful (harming) actions, leads to negative kamma -> (3) dukkha -> samsara

In the temple food is often left as offerings - this attracts rodents but Buddhists don’t put out traps and poison, they live alongside them. They too deserve life and rebirth according to Buddhists. This gives Buddhists more kamma as they are helping other sentient beings to have a chance to gain kamma for a better rebirth.

No intoxicating substances - clouds the mind so you aren’t in control of the mind anymore (meditation) -> 3 root poisons -> kamma, results in unskillful actions -> dukkha OR trapped in samsara

Don't take what isn't given - 3 root poisons (greed), avoid the culture of wanting more all the time -> dukkha -> anicca, impermanence leads to temporary happiness

Example

The purpose of following the Five Precepts is to help a Buddhist to gain enlightenment.

One of the Five Precepts is to not take intoxicating substances. This is because intoxicating substances cloud the mind, in other words you lose control of the mind, for example if you drink alcohol you lose your ability to focus and make the decisions you want to make. This links to the 3 root poisons because the unskillful actions people make when intoxicated are often driven by anger, greed, or hatred. For example, on a night out people often get drunk and angry. This can then result in suffering for others and themselves which will mean negative kamma. So the purpose of following this precept is to avoid unskillful actions which will result in negative kamma and ultimately a worse rebirth. (3K)

Página 5

Analyse the purpose of devotion for Buddhists (10)

Analyse the purpose of devotion for Buddhists (10 marks)

Explain some aspects of Buddhist devotion for K marks

- prayer wheels/flags

- offerings/butter lamps

- meditation

Link - 3 Jewels: buddha (example of enlightenment); sangha (monk/nun, enlightenment faster than lay - motivation from others); dhamma (Buddha's teachings/truth, to help enlightenment)

Recognise the significance/importance

Respect

Refuge

Página 6

Analyse the Buddhist understanding of the nature of human beings (10)

Página 7

'The Three Marks of Existence are the most significant of all Buddhist beliefs'. How far do you agree? (20)

Página 8

'The Eightfold Path presents too much of a challenge for Buddhists'. How far do you agree? (20)

Página 9

Analyse one Buddhist practice you have studied (10)