Aqa GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1- Buddhism
4 Grade-9 4-, 5-, and 8-Mark questions
4 Grade-9 12 Markers on:
1. The Dhamma (Dharma)
2. The Buddha and the Four Noble Truths
3. Worship and festivals
4. Buddhist ethics
, 4 mark questions
1. Explain two ways in which the Four Noble Truths influence Buddhists today.
(Include a source of wisdom or authority in your answer.)
One way the Four Noble Truths influence Buddhists is by encouraging them to reflect on
the reality of suffering (dukkha) in life. This helps them become more mindful of their
actions and the causes of suffering, such as craving (tanha).
Another way is through guiding their spiritual path. The Fourth Noble Truth outlines the
Eightfold Path as the way to end suffering, influencing Buddhists to follow right action
and right livelihood. As the Dhammapada says, "The Noble Eightfold Path is the path
that leads to the end of suffering."
2. Explain two reasons why meditation is important in Buddhism.
(Refer to Buddhist teachings in your answer.)
One reason is that meditation helps Buddhists develop mindfulness and concentration,
which are essential in overcoming ignorance, one of the Three Poisons. This is
especially seen in samatha meditation, which calms the mind.
Another reason is that meditation leads to insight (vipassana) into the true nature of
reality, such as impermanence (anicca). As the Buddha said in the Dhammapada,
“Those who meditate constantly… will be released from the bonds of Mara.”
3. Explain two Buddhist beliefs about kamma (karma).
(Include a source of wisdom or authority in your answer.)
One belief is that kamma refers to intentional actions and their consequences. Good
actions, such as showing compassion (karuna), lead to favourable rebirths, while
unskilful actions lead to suffering.
Another belief is that kamma directly affects one's path to enlightenment. The
Dhammapada states: "If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a
shadow that never leaves."
4 Grade-9 4-, 5-, and 8-Mark questions
4 Grade-9 12 Markers on:
1. The Dhamma (Dharma)
2. The Buddha and the Four Noble Truths
3. Worship and festivals
4. Buddhist ethics
, 4 mark questions
1. Explain two ways in which the Four Noble Truths influence Buddhists today.
(Include a source of wisdom or authority in your answer.)
One way the Four Noble Truths influence Buddhists is by encouraging them to reflect on
the reality of suffering (dukkha) in life. This helps them become more mindful of their
actions and the causes of suffering, such as craving (tanha).
Another way is through guiding their spiritual path. The Fourth Noble Truth outlines the
Eightfold Path as the way to end suffering, influencing Buddhists to follow right action
and right livelihood. As the Dhammapada says, "The Noble Eightfold Path is the path
that leads to the end of suffering."
2. Explain two reasons why meditation is important in Buddhism.
(Refer to Buddhist teachings in your answer.)
One reason is that meditation helps Buddhists develop mindfulness and concentration,
which are essential in overcoming ignorance, one of the Three Poisons. This is
especially seen in samatha meditation, which calms the mind.
Another reason is that meditation leads to insight (vipassana) into the true nature of
reality, such as impermanence (anicca). As the Buddha said in the Dhammapada,
“Those who meditate constantly… will be released from the bonds of Mara.”
3. Explain two Buddhist beliefs about kamma (karma).
(Include a source of wisdom or authority in your answer.)
One belief is that kamma refers to intentional actions and their consequences. Good
actions, such as showing compassion (karuna), lead to favourable rebirths, while
unskilful actions lead to suffering.
Another belief is that kamma directly affects one's path to enlightenment. The
Dhammapada states: "If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a
shadow that never leaves."
