2024_OCR: AS Level Religious Studies H173/07 Developments in Hindu Thought (Merged Question Paper & Marking Scheme)

2024_OCR: AS Level Religious Studies H173/07 Developments in Hindu Thought (Merged Question Paper & Marking Scheme) Key Areas to Revise:  The Nature of God in Hinduism  Brahman: Explore Brahman as the formless, ultimate, and all-pervading reality in Hindu thought.  Atman: Examine the connection between Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman, as well as the concept of self-realization.  The Trimurti: Study the roles of the three principal deities—Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer)—and their influence on the cosmic cycle.  The Hindu Concept of the Self  Atman and Moksha: Investigate the nature of Atman (the true self) and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of samsara).  The Five Koshas: Understand the five layers of the self, ranging from the physical body to the innermost spiritual essence.  Karma and Reincarnation: Examine the impact of karma on samsara (the cycle of rebirth) and the significance of living a righteous life.  The Paths to Liberation  Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Delve into the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom to realize the oneness of Atman and Brahman.  Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Explore the path of devotion to a personal god, including practices such as prayer, rituals, and temple worship.  Karma Yoga (Path of Action): Understand the importance of selfless action and fulfilling one's duty (dharma) without attachment to the results.  Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation): Review the practice of meditation and mental discipline as means to attain spiritual insight.  The Hindu Scriptures  Vedas: Examine the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda, as the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism.  Upanishads: Study the Upanishads as philosophical texts that delve into the nature of reality, the self, and Brahman.  Bhagavad Gita: Focus on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, especially the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on dharma, karma, and devotion.  Ramayana and Mahabharata: Understand the moral and ethical lessons embedded in these epic tales Monday 3 June 2024 – Afternoon AS Level Religious Studies H173/07 Developments in Hindu thought Time allowed: 1 hour 15 minutes You must have: • the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet Oxford Cambridge and RSA INSTRUCTIONS • Use black ink. • Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown. • Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet. • Answer any two questions. INFORMATION • The total mark for this paper is 60. • The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ]. • Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*). • This document has 4 pages. ADVICE • Read each question carefully before you start your answer. © OCR 2024 [601/8869/8] DC (ST) 300673/2 OCR is an exempt Charity Turn over ** 2 BLANK PAGE © OCR 2024 H173/07 Jun24 3 Answer any two questions. In all your responses, you should: • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: • religious thought and teaching • influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, societies and communities • cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice • approaches to the study of religion and belief. • analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study. 1* Critically assess the view that dharma will always decay into adharma. 2* ‘Human beings all have the potential to understand the nature of Brahman.’ Discuss. 3* Evaluate the claim that scriptures are not an important source of authority for Hindus. END OF QUESTION PAPER [30] [30] [30] © OCR 2024 H173/07 Jun24 4 © OCR 2024 H173/07 Jun24 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Copyright Information OCR is committed to seeking permission to reproduce all third-party content that it uses in its assessment materials. OCR has attempted to identify and contact all copyright holders whose work is used in this paper. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced in the OCR Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download from our public website () after the live examination series. If OCR has unwittingly failed to correctly acknowledge or clear any third-party content in this assessment material, OCR will be happy to correct its mistake at the earliest possible opportunity. For queries or further information please contact The OCR Copyright Team, The Triangle Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 8EA. OCR is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge. GCE Religious Studies H173/07: Developments in Hindu thought AS Level Mark Scheme for June 2024 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is a leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to meet the needs of candidates of all ages and abilities. OCR qualifications include AS/A Levels, Diplomas, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, Functional Skills, Key Skills, Entry Level qualifications, NVQs and vocational qualifications in areas such as IT, business, languages, teaching/training, administration and secretarial skills. It is also responsible for developing new specifications to meet national requirements and the needs of students and teachers. OCR is a not-for-profit organisation; any surplus made is invested back into the establishment to help towards the develop