FoxChild@Learn
componentCode:
June 2023
Q1.1: Which one of the following is the word for selfless service to others?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Gurmukh B Mukti C Sangat D Sewa
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: D Sewa
Q1.2: Give two reasons why karma is an important belief for Sikhs.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority If a student provides more than two responses, only the first two responses should be considered for marking. Gurus taught it / Guru Granth Sahib and other scriptures talk of it / good karma helps others / good karma helps a person in their rebirth / belief in it makes a person do good and not harm / karma shapes rebirth – good or bad / ultimately karma allows reunion with God / it exists whether we want it to or not, so must be managed / teaches Sikhs to treat others with respect / teaches Sikhs to be kind to others / bad karma makes it more difficult to overcome the barriers to mukti / ‘what goes around, comes around’, so good deeds bring good karma eg sewa, bad deeds bring bad karma eg murder / karma balances the world, etc.
Q1.3: Explain two ways in which belief in the idea of equality as shown in the life of Guru
Gobind Singh influences Sikhs today.
Answer:
influence on individuals, communities and societies To be a ‘detailed explanation’ the ‘influence’ of the way must be included. • Panj Pyare were of different castes/classes/wealth / this shows that none of these characteristics matter / all are equal / attitude is what matters. • Creation of Khalsa (1699) was path to a caste-less, class-less caring community / Guru Gobind Singh made real the message of equality spoken by the previous Gurus / so Sikhs should be able to follow the real examples he set. • Allowed women into Khalsa / followed same rules as men / wore same symbols (5Ks) as men / allowed them to train as soldiers, same as men / hence saw women as fearless, active, independent warriors / referred to women soldiers as ‘Sahibzadey’, showing pride for them / gave name Kaur (from kanwar = Crown Prince) to give own identity to woman (not just taking husband’s) / so Sikhs should not show gender prejudice / should appreciate women as mothers and warriors / should allow women leadership and to speak, etc. • Guru Gobind Singh’s wife led the Khalsa for many years after Guru Gobind Singh died / so women should be accepted as leaders. • Guru Gobind Singh was responsible for the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib (GGS) / as the last, living and eternal Guru / this gave all Sikhs (through history and space) one single point of religious authority / which makes for equality across the faith. • Responsible for the unity of the Punjab / through establishing Khalsa and Sikh practices across all Punjab / his Sikh community influenced other non-Sikhs in community / especially as his city (Anandpur) began to prosper with these practices / so Sikhs should encourage all forms of equality as a way to develop the community economically. • The idea of equality gave a message of universal brotherhood / so Sikhs should accept all races. • Rejected religious divisions / ‘Someone is Hindu and someone a Muslim, then someone is Shia, and someone a Sunni, Recognize the whole of human race as one’ (Dasam Granth Sahib) / so Sikhs should accept all religions. • Taught equality of all / ‘Just as millions of sparks are created from the fire; although they are different entities, they merge in the same fire. Just as from of waves are created on the surface of the big rivers and all the waves are called water. Similarly the animate and inanimate objects come out of the Supreme Lord; having been created from the same Lord, they merge in the same Lord’ (Dasam Granth Sahib 17) / so Sikhs should believe in absolute equality of all beings / should show respect to all as creations of God / including animals and the natural world / which influences them to live sustainably and ethically / perhaps to work in conservation for example,
Q1.4: Explain two Sikh beliefs about being manmukh (man-centred).
Refer to sacred writings or another source of Sikh belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Sikh belief and teaching – 1 mark • Manmukh = one who follows their own mind wherever it takes them / committing the Vices / being self-centred or selfish / not thinking of others / being attached to worldly desires and sensory stimulation / so could not achieve the Khands or mukti / which is the aim of Sikhism. • That being manmukh makes a person ever more greedy and selfish / so that needs and desires become unlimited / never satisfied / so they would never be able to achieve mukti / or any of the stages of mukti (Khands). • Link to haumai (ego) / basis for manmukh / manmukh is associated with any negative emotion / brings bad karma. • By developing the virtues / a Sikh avoids committing the Vices / so avoids being manmukh. • ‘The self-willed Manmukh separates themselves from God, whereas being Gurmukh brings us to God’s bliss’ (GGS 1054-5 ) / ie, being manmukh severs a person’s link to God so that s/he does wrong / it makes more sense to be Gurmukh / as there is more reward. • Guru Granth Sahib 226 describes examples of how being Manmukh leads to immoral behaviour, whilst being Gurmukh keeps a person protected from the same / ‘without being imbued by the Lord’s essence, the mind aimlessly wanders’ (GGS) / ie, being manmukh opens us up to all kinds of dangers and distractions. • Anyone who has not recognised the Self within (God, Truth etc) is manmukh / must work hard to overcome this through Nam Japna, Kirat Karni, Vand Chhako, etc.
Sources of authority might include –
GGS 11 - ‘The gurmukh obtain it (liberation), and the self-willed manmukhs lose it’. GGS 20 - ‘The blind have forgotten the Naam, the Name of God. The self-willed manmukhs are in GGS 21 - ‘Those who separate themselves from the Lord wander lost in misery. The self-willed manmukhs do not attain union with Him.’ GGS 21 - ‘The self-willed manmukhs find no peace, while the gurmukhs are wondrously joyful.’ GGS 1054-5 - ‘The self-willed Manmukh separates themselves from God, whereas being Gurmukh brings us to God’s bliss.’ GGS - ‘Without being imbued by the Lord’s essence, the mind aimlessly wanders.’
Q1.5: ‘Truthful living is the most important Sikh virtue.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Sikh teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
[SPaG 3 marks]
Extra space
Q2 Sikhism: Practices
Answer:
In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view [Plus SPaG 3 marks] understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information. evidence and arguments must be credited.
Arguments in support
• The whole of Sikh daily life and behaviour is covered by truthful living / it is not just about telling the truth / so it has the biggest influence / ‘Truth is higher than anything, but higher still is truthful living’ (GGS 62). • Truthful living is a way to demonstrate the key Sikh principles / equality of all / as a Sikh would be honest and not exploit anyone. • Truthful living includes Nam Japna (meditating on the name of God) / Kirat Karni (living an honest lifestyle) / Vand Chakna (earning money honestly and using it for good) / which covers most of a person’s life / so truthful living must be the most important as it is basic to everyday life. • Also encourages Nam Japna / as ‘God is truth’ (GGS) / so devotion brings a Sikh closer to God / and further from haumai (ego). • Also encourages sewa / as a Sikh would want to help others / opposite of exploiting them / thus fulfilling truthful living, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• All the virtues are important / these include wisdom, truthful living, justice, temperance, self- encouraged in them all / they overlap with each other. • Wisdom is more important / as that helps a person work out right from wrong / what and how to God / and the Gurus teachings. • Temperance is more important / as being moderate in all things leads a person away from attachment / stops a person being out of control due to alcohol/drugs / is a healthy way of living. • Courage is more important / as Sikhism is a warrior religion / committed to fighting for justice / historical need for Sikhs to be brave when religion challenged / modern society is very • Humility is more important / ‘The Lord’s humble servants are True’ (GGS) / ‘The Gurmukh is steeped in humility’ (GGS). • It is not the most important because it is really hard to do / eg having to tell white lies / or show compassion in certain circumstances / so other virtues might then be easier, etc. Q2 Sikhism: Practices
Q2.1: Which one of the following is the name for the Sikh community kitchen?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Akhand Path B Amritdhari C Khalsa D Langar
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: D Langar
Q2.2: Give two ways in which a Sikh can fulfil the duty of Nam Japna.
Question 2 continues on the next page
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority If a student provides more than two responses, only the first two responses should be considered for marking. Meditate on the name of God / keep God in mind when doing something / read scriptures / sing hymns / dedicate all work to God / recite the five Bani (prayers) / recite Mool Mantra / private worship at home / worship at the gurdwara / chant ‘waheguru’ / read a gutka / take part in an Akhand Path, etc.
Q2.3: Explain two contrasting ways in which Divali is celebrated by Sikhs.
Answer:
similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs Contrast may mean opposing or may mean different views. If similar ways are given, only one of them may be credited up to 2 marks max. Contrasting ways come from different bullets • Renamed as Bandi Chhor Divas by some Sikhs / means freedom day or prisoner release day / after the release of Guru Hargobind from prison in 1619 with 52 Indian political prisoners (princes or kings) / activities in support of political prisoners / activities in support of the change of laws seen as oppressive or unjust. • Worship at gurdwara / speeches about justice and freedom / story of Guru Hargobind retold. • Akhand Path held / which is a full reading of the GGS non-stop taking 48 hours. • Processions through the community / led by Khalsa members. • Gurdwaras and homes lit up by candles / diya lamps. • Harimandir Sahib is lit up by thousands of candles and lights / continuous singing of kirtans organised (as well as normal continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib) / early morning bath in the pools at Harimandir Sahib / circumambulation of the pool / three-day fair at Amritsar – many religious singers and poets perform. • Firework displays / celebration and light / Amritsar bathed in light. • Gifts given / cards given / new clothes bought and worn. • Charity given and offerings made (rice, money, flowers, sweets) / doctors give free medical advice at Amritsar during the time of the fair. • Family get-togethers / meals / showing belonging and togetherness. • In India, this is a public holiday / with melas (fairs), open-air langars and everyone gathering at the gurdwara or at Amritsar / whereas in the UK, it is celebrated on the nearest weekend to the day / as there is no ‘day off’ / increasingly seeing community festivals which involve Sikh and non- Sikh alike / with music, stalls, food and dancing, etc.
Q2.4: Explain two features of the gurdwara which are important for Sikh worship.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of Sikh belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Sikh belief and teaching – 1 mark • Palki – canopy over throne where the Guru Granth Sahib resides / reminder of respect / along with takht elevates status of Guru Granth Sahib / everyone has to look up to this place (physical reflection of mental attitude towards the GGS) / engraved with ‘waheguru’ (wonderful Lord) and Khanda (symbol of Sikhism). • Takht – throne where the Guru Granth Sahib resides / reminder of respect / at front of prayer hall / decorated or adorned as show of respect / reminder that Guru Granth Sahib is living Guru / allows words of Granthi to carry further. • Resting place for gurdwara – reminder that Guru Granth Sahib is living Guru / words to be • Area for worshippers to sit / facing Guru Granth Sahib / since worship is to live with the words of the Guru in mind, sitting facing it reminds of this. • Guru Granth Sahib – holy book of Sikhism / contains word of God (gurbani) / power of sound of it (naad) / gives will of God (hukam). • Langar – communal food kitchen / equality / sewa / reminder that everyone is welcome within Sikhism / no barriers / reminder that sewa is a key duty and part of Sikh worship / ‘Gurdwaras are laboratories for teaching the practice of sewa…the real field is the world abroad, sewa recognises no barriers of religion, caste or race. It must be offered to all’ (Rahit Maryada). • Images of holy men and the Gurus – provide inspiration / reminders of religious message / of their • Symbols of Sikhism – reminders of key Sikh beliefs / Khanda – circle (God), two swords (miri-piri – spiritual and temporal realms as one whole), double-edged sword (creative power of God controlling the destiny of the universe / justice and freedom) / reminder that Sikhs must fight for justice / reminder that God is One and is all / reminder of power of God (so need to submit to • Mool Mantra – displayed for all to read / description of God / helps focus mind on God / reminds of qualities of God / repeated during worship / everyone can repeat these words of God, etc.
Sources of authority might include –
Rahit Maryada - ‘Gurdwaras are laboratories for teaching the practice of sewa…the real field is the wo abroad, sewa recognises no barriers of religion, caste or race. It must be offered to all.’ Guru Gobind Singh - ‘All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru.’ Guru Arjan - ‘In this platter are placed three things, Truth, Harmony and meditation. These are season with the Nectar-Name of the Lord, Who is the support of all. Those who partake of this dish and relish Will be saved and emancipated.’ Guru Gobind Singh – ‘Keep the langar ever open.’
Q2.5: ‘For Sikhs, the most important celebration is the gurpurb for Guru Nanak’s birthday.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Sikh teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
Question . number .
Question . number .
Question . number .
Copyright information For confidentiality purposes, all acknowledgements of third-party copyright material are published in a separate booklet. This booklet is published after each live examination series and is available for free download from www.aqa.org.uk. and AQA will be happy to rectify any omissions of acknowledgements. If you have any queries please contact the CopyrightTeam. Copyright © 2023AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
236G8062/17
Answer:
In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view significance and influence understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information. evidence and arguments must be credited.
Arguments in support
• Guru Nanak founded Sikhism / without Guru Nanak Sikhism may not have existed / so the gurpurbs helps everyone, including children, to learn about the origins of their faith. • Sikhism is based on Guru Nanak’s messages about God and of equality / could say all other Gurus simply explained Guru Nanak’s teachings, or made them real. • Other festivals have been overtaken by secular events / eg fairs (melas) for everyone at Vaisakhi / this celebration remains focused on Guru Nanak’s life and contribution / purer celebration / more focused on religion and religious teachings. • Coincides with Vaisakhi / other crucial festival for Sikhs / shows how important this time is. • Allows Sikhs to comprehend the vast significance of the founder / as the day focuses on him, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• All festivals and gurpurbs have importance / it is just that the importance is specific for the reason or person or event and so on / so it is wrong to say any celebration should have precedence. • Depends what is meant by ‘most important’ / for children some may think it is as they like the stories, others may think it isn’t as they like the fun of Vaisakhi / gurpurbs about martyrdom might be more important because they are teaching key Sikh beliefs / about justice / about equality and • There is some dispute about the actual date of Guru Nanak’s birth – it was probably around the time of Vaisakhi in 1469 / at the time Vaisakhi was an important harvest festival in the Punjab region / so if it is not certain, only ‘probably’ at the time it is celebrated, how can this be the most • Most religions celebrate their founder’s birth, but none have it as their most important celebration / eg Jesus’ death more important than his birth, few Muslims celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday other than in a quiet way, Moses and Abraham do not even have celebrations associated with their birthdays, etc. • The celebrations associated with Guru Nanak’s birthday are much smaller than celebrations for Vaisakhi or Divali / no fireworks / no processions / no fairs. • Other celebrations might be more important /such as amrit Sanskar / as a Sikh devotes themselves to the faith / or naming ceremony / as it welcomes a child into the community of Sikhs and so on. • For some people the most important celebration will be very personal / eg wedding anniversary, anniversary of amrit sanskar, etc.