Places of worship exam qu's

Question 1

Give two examples of Buddhist places of worship. (2)

Answer 1

• Temple
• Shrine
• Monastery (vihara/gompa)

Question 2

Give two features of Buddhist places of worship. (2)

Answer 2

• Light
• Flowers
• Incense
• Stupa
• Buddha Rupa

Question 3

Give two Buddhist artefacts Buddhists will have on a shrine. (2)

Answer 3

1) incense represents purity and reminds Buddhists o the importance of pure thoughts, speech, and actions.

incense as it reminds Buddhists of purity in their thoughts, speech, and actions, therefore, allows them to act on these actions helping them to become close to reaching enlightenment

2) flowers remind Buddhists that nothing lasts forever
flowers represent impermanence (anicca) that is a key teaching

Question 4

Give two examples of offerings a Buddhist may make. (2)

Answer 4

1) flowers remind Buddhists that nothing lasts forever
flowers represent impermanence (anicca) that is a key teaching

2) incense represents purity and reminds Buddhists o the importance of pure thoughts, speech, and actions.

Question 5

Give two examples of Buddhist rupas Buddhists may find in a place of worship. (2)

Answer 5

1) Medicine buddha – to heal them, reduce suffering and increase own powers of healing
2) Buddha Amitabha – help them achieve enlightenment and to be reborn in the pure land

Question 6

Explain two ways in which places of worship are important in Buddhism. Refer to sacred writings or another source
of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 6

• Allows them to express their devotion to the Buddha and acceptance of his teachings.
• Deepens their understanding of the Buddha’s teachings (Buddha - “what I teach is suffering and the cessation of suffering”)

Question 7

Explain two ways in which temples are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or another source
of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 7

• Temple’s have an area of meditation, a quiet room, allowing you to show devoution to gain an insight into the Buddha’s teachings (Buddha - “what I teach is suffering and the cessation of suffering”)
• Study hall, for meetings and lectures, allows Buddhists to show companionship (Sangha - the community)

Question 8

Explain two ways in which shrines are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or another source
of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 8

• They provide a focal point for Buddhists to meditate and express devotion
• Buddhists make offerings to show gratitude to the Buddha’s teaching, gaining a greater understanding (Buddha - “what I teach is suffering and the cessation of suffering”)

Question 9

Explain two ways in which monasteries are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or another
source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 9

• Allows Buddhists to express companionship and communication, large community (Sangha - three refuges)
• Allow’s meditation opportunities, to calm the mind and show devotion to Buddha.

Question 10

Explain two ways in which halls of meditation are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or
another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 10

• Allow Buddhists to gain a greater insight into the path to englightenment and how to overcome suffering (‘He who takes refuge in the Buddha will be delivered from all suffering.’ - Four Noble Truths)
• Shows companionship and community (Sangha - the community, one of the three refuges)

Question 11

Explain two ways in which halls of meditation are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or
another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 11

• Allow Buddhists to gain a greater insight into the path to enlightenment and how to overcome suffering (‘He who takes refuge in the Buddha will be delivered from all suffering.’ - Four Noble Truths)
• Shows companionship and community (Sangha - the community, one of the three refuges) “to the Sangha for refuge i go.”

Question 12

Explain two ways in which offerings are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to sacred writings or another source
of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer. (5)

Answer 12

Buddhists may leave offerings as a mark of respect and reverence to the Buddha. These gifts may include flowers, which are beautiful but fade and serve as a reminder of the impermanence of things (anicca). They may also include candles, which are a mark of light and wisdom. Theravada puja traditions focus on ‘making merit’. This means earning positive karma which can be done through making offerings