Buddhism

Question 1

Give two reasons why Buddha rejected his ascetic life

Answer 1

. He recognised he needed to find the middle way

. He was no nearer to achieving enlightenment

Question 2

Explain two ways in which the four sights influenced buddhas teachings

Answer 2

. The old man and the sick man reminded Buddha of anicca or impermanence
. The sick man reminded Buddha about suffering
. The holy man seemed so calm so Buddha decided that meditation must be a good way to deal with difficulties

Question 3

Explain two stages of the eight food path

Answer 3

. Right view is recognising as Buddha did that the world is full of suffering but we can overcome it
. Right intention is about being determined to follow Buddhas teachings

Question 4

‘The four noble truths are the most important Buddhist teachings’ evaluate this statement

Answer 4

. The four noble truths are the essence of buddhas other teachings
. For example the first noble truth is that suffering is part of life. This is because we live in a physical world and everything is constantly changing
. The second noble truth reminds us that the cause of suffering is desire that we are unhappy because we constantly want things. Because we want things this makes us greedy, hateful, ignorant ( 3 poisons)

Question 5

Two of the six perfections

Answer 5

Wisdom

Meditation

Question 6

Explain two contrasting meditation practices

Answer 6

. Samatha- calming the mind and learning to control thoughts by concentrating on our breath
. Loving kindness meditation- is where they picture a loved one happy, then a neutral person then someone they dislike