Select and explain the important aspects of a Buddhist Temple.

Select and explain the important aspects of a Buddhist Temple The first things you will notice about a typical Buddhist temple are the gates on the outside of the grounds. These usually have paintings of guardians and/or fierce statues on the edges of the gates. These guardians are the guardians of wisdom, of Holy Scripture (holy teachings), of correct thinking (this is one of the parts of the eightfold path) and of fundamental directions (this means the choices etc that you make in life). Symbolically the guardians are intended to provoke some self-searching and self confrontation. Once inside the gates you will find yourself inside a courtyard. A temple is made up of a few different buildings. Firstly there is the temple itself. This is a very ornate building where the Buddhists will meditate, pray and worship. Secondly is the building that the monks live in. There is also in some Temples a "meeting" building where the monks will welcome visitors. These buildings are usually named after a bodhisattva or some other strong influencing spirit in the Buddhist religion. Leading up to the temple, there are usually steps. These steps will be surrounded by incense sticks. I visited a Buddhist temple in Wimbledon, London, and these incense sticks were five foot high. After climbing the stairs there were several shoe racks, where we took off our shoes before entering the main room

  • Word count: 550
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Hindu and Islamic weddings

Title Page Pg 1 Hindu Marriages Pg 2-5 Islamic Marriages Pg 6-9 My Vows Pg 10 Biboliography Pg 11 Hindu marriages are very traditional. Before the ceremony, the priest blesses the bride's bangles and it is considered unlucky if she removes them before forty days after the wedding. The groom arrives with his family at his wedding party and is welcomed by the girl's family. Some brides greet the groom by putting a flower garland around his neck after the girl's mother has already done so. The groom may also choose to do the same. When the bride and groom go inside the temple, the priest calls for Ganesha's blessing for success; followed by the Navgraha prayer (asking the blessing of all of the planets for peace and wealth). Then the maternal uncle and the sisters walk the couple to the mendap (wedding tent) where the girl's father performs kanya danam (handing over ceremony to the priest). By spreading turmeric on her hands, she recognizes her change in status from a single woman, a daughter to a wife. The father then places his daughter's dyed hand on the groom's hand and he holds it as a symbol of everlasting love. By pouring out some of the sacred water, the father 'washes his hands' and gives his daughter away to the groom. At this point the groom recites Vedic hymns to

  • Word count: 1455
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Analyze and Explain the Role and Function of the leaders in the Mandir

a) ii) Analyze and Explain the Role and Function of the leaders in the Mandir The leader of a mandir is usually the priest, who is always a man and preferably a Brahmin. His job is to look after the murtis, to continue the Hindu traditions, and lead worshippers in special pujas, ceremonies, and the reading of Sanskrit scriptures. The Hindu priest is the leader of his local Hindu community, leading them in the path to achieve moksha. One of the key duties of the priest is to look after the deities that live in the mandir. The deity is treated as the resident royalty of the temple and is looked upon as a true person, not just a statue or picture. As a real person, the deity must eat, sleep, change clothes and wash. The murti cannot do this, so the priest must do all of this for the murti. Every morning the priest will put fresh, nice clothes on the deity, and decorate the murtis and its shrine with fresh garlands of flowers. He will also wash the statue of the God with a bit of water, and then he will perform morning puja. The priest will also set resting times for the deity throughout the day, not allowing people in to worship at certain times of the day. Because of the long working hours of Hong Kong, many people find it hard to find time to enjoy life and have fun. There is no time for socialising and friends anymore. This brings up stress, pressure, and depression. Kama

  • Word count: 699
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Ancient Greek Medical Association Guide to the Asklepion Temples One of the best Asklepion Temples around is the one at Epidaurus.

Ancient Greek Medical Association Guide to the Asklepion Temples One of the best Asklepion Temples around is the one at Epidaurus. It is in a quiet, secluded part of Greece and is perfect for anyone seeking spiritual and physical healing. I will now say that this superb Asklepion is strictly reserved for the middle to upper class citizens because it is out of the price range of those in the lower classes. Here at Epidaurus, we have a superb range of facilities for you to use. We have use of: * Sunk-in Stadium * Large gymnasium * Cleansing Baths * Temple of Artemus * Temple of Asklepius * Abaton-where patients sleep at night and are visited by Asklepius and his daughters, Panacea and Hygeia. Here at the Epidaurus Asklepion many things can happen to you. You can have your mind and souls cleansed at one of our specialized Temples which are the Temples of Artemus and Asklepius. Also your body must not lose out as we have heated baths and the largest gymnasium in all of Greece, where our highly trained instructors who will help guide you through a tough traditional course from the surrounding cultures. The Abaton here is also one of the best in the country. It has had the most healings from Asklepion and his daughters for the last four years! That's quite a record! If you have not already heard about the Asklepion here at Epidaurus you must have been building a

  • Word count: 269
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Cow protection and vegetarianism.

Cow protection and vegetarianism In the Vedas, the earliest of Hindu scriptures, there is a reference to animals being an important part in religious ceremony. There are also references of cows in the hymns. The cow was a sacrificial animal which was appreciated for its role in offerings to the gods. Hindus believed that the person, who offers a cow, would gain immediate ascension to heaven, so the cow must be holy and important. Around the time the Vedas were written cows were regarded as a great prize. It had a high value and was the source of many useful products such as milk, cheese and meat. It was also thought to protect Brahman. Ahimsa however was only introduced around the 6th Centaury BCE, by Mahavira the Jain. It gradually increased in popularity amongst Hindus. Nowadays one could say the cow is like a domestic animal in India. They are permitted to roam freely around the streets and they are cared for in temples. A westerner would never think of eating his dog or cat, so a Hindu would never dream of eating a cow. In villages in India, the cow nurtures and sustains life. Its milk provides essential food; its manure provides fuel, heat and light in the home. The cow's urine is alleged to have special healing properties and is available as a cream or liquid. Gandhi said that the cow was a symbol of Hinduism. As most Hindus are vegetarian, they believe in total

  • Word count: 800
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Creative writing- emotions and feelings- new experiences

Creative writing- emotions and feelings- new experiences As I walked out, the subtle, humid breeze swept past me, I looked around, it was like I had stepped into a different world. England was very different. The palm trees blew almost by their own accord and oranges and reds lined the horizon. The ruffling sound of plane engines getting ready to take off could be heard in the distance. It was late night, but even in the absence of he sun in the sky, it was around 30C. We were led around to the adjacent side where we all crowded into a bus. The atmosphere was very lively; people were talking excitedly and hurriedly, as if once we got off the bus they wouldn't be able to say anymore. I wasn't very anxious at all to see any of the places. We would go and see old buildings and places that tourists visit every year. The only feeling I felt was tiredness. I have never really been interested in history. I don't get fascinated very easily, I didn't expect anything special. We came upon our group rep. He was an average sized man, no more than 5 foot 8. He was wearing long brown shorts with a matching brown shirt and a ranger hat that shadowed his upper face so his eyes were hidden. His hair was a murky black colour and fell, rather untidily to his shoulders. He was rather uncanny to say the least We were told that it would be a 15-minute journey to the Ship. It was followed by a

  • Word count: 1319
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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What is Jainism?

Jainism What is Jainism? One of the oldest religions in the world Jainism is centred on the search for infinite knowledge and ultimate enlightenment. Practiced through 3 basic principals Jainism is founded upon Non-Violence, Penance and Self Control. The name "Jainism" derives from the Sanskrit word meaning "follower of the Jina, or conqueror". Established in our era by Lord Mahavir ("the Great Hero") in the sixth century BCE who is considered to be the last in a list of 24 "Tirthankaras". What is a Tirthankara? A prophet of Jainism who has conquered all the desires and has obtained infinite knowledge and wisdom, they lay down the path for the spiritual uplift of humanity. There are 24 Tirthankaras: first known is Rushabhdev and Lord Mahavira Svami being the last, born 2,500 years ago. Born in 599 BC, Mahavir was a prince who left his worldly belongings and at the age 30 became a monk, he then spent 12 years in meditation. He established a monastic community into four groups: Sadhu (monk), Sadvi (nun), Shravak (layman) and Shravika (laywoman) this community being the oldest continually surviving monastic community in the world. The ultimate objective of Mahavirs teachings is how one can obtain the permanent state of ones self-Nirvana/Moksha - absolute freedom; he taught the idea of supremacy of human life and stressed the importance of the positive attitude of life. He

  • Word count: 1290
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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The Nature of Belief

Religious Education GCSE Coursework The Nature of Belief (Hinduism) In Hinduism there are many Gods, but three main powerful deities worshipped by Hindus. They are known as the Trimurti: Brahma who is the many faced creator God, Shiva who is the lord of dance and Vishnu who is the preserver god. Hindus believe in God as they believe they are part of the universe, and everything in the universe hangs together. The technical word for music throughout India is the word sangita, which originally included dancing and the drama as well as vocal and instrumental music. In a Hindu temple, the music you would hear would be calm and relaxing as this helps prayer and meditation which Hindus believe are the two paths designed to lead to liberation. The uses of music and art are traditional forms of Hindu devotion. Carvings of gods (Bhagvan) decorate most Hindu temples. The most important symbol in Hinduism is the "Aum" symbol which has many meanings. One meaning is that it is the universal sound. The outside of a Hindu temple would normally have carvings of mythological themes, legendary subjects, mythical animals, and many others to take one away from dullness. Some Hindu temples which have many of these carvings are the Kandariya temple, Minakshi temple and Mahabodhi temple in India. In Hinduism a temple is known as a "Mandir". In Hinduism music is very

  • Word count: 804
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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The novel, The Temple of Gold by William Goldman,

Shachi Desai The Temple of Gold William Goldman October 29, 2005 The novel, The Temple of Gold by William Goldman, begins with the protagonist describing his family. The protagonist is Raymond Euripides Trevitt, a young boy of about eight years of age at the start of the novel. As the story progresses, Ray grows from an innocent youth, to a mature young man. The nature of his quest, to gain control of his life, is made apparent through the numerous times Ray mentions attaining a "handle on life," the temple of gold. The journey Ray makes leads him to his treasure, knowledge that there is no "handle on life;" it cannot be found. Despite the fact that Ray is growing up in the college town of Athens, Illinois during the late 1950`s, the story he tells in a memoir form remains timeless. Ray's coming of age is characteristic of any youth; it is something everyone must undergo at some point in their life. Ray Trevitt is a typical boy of his time, and this is expressed through his actions. He is not as polite as he should be, and does nothing to refine his behavior. When he is told to meet his new neighbor, Zachary Crowe, Ray is rude and impolite. He makes fun of Zachary's name which leads to the nickname Zock. This name sticks, and later on when the boys become friends, it is used as a term of endearment. Raymond is impulsive, melodramatic, and unstable. He lies

  • Word count: 1480
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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(a)(iii) Explain the significance of cow protection and vegetarianism in Hinduism

(a)(iii) Explain the significance of cow protection and vegetarianism in Hinduism Cow protection and vegetarianism are significant beliefs and values within Hinduism, as there are many teachings on these two topics. Cow protection is mentioned in the early Hindu scriptures the Vedas. Within these four books are references to herds of cattle, and the cow was a sacrificial animal, being appreciated for its role as an offering to the Gods. So cows were used as a sacrifice and the person offering the sacrifice could gain ascension to heaven, especially if numerous sacrifices were offered. Therefore the cow is regarded sacred because from a religious perspective it was used in ritual sacrifice. In ancient Hindu society a Brahmin had a special role as he understood the Vedas and maintained order in the world by performing sacrifices. Therefore people thought it was important to respect the Brahmin and his cow. The cow was also valued economically as it made many essential products. It is the source of milk, milk products, meat, dung etc. The products of butter, whey, cream and cheese made up a ritual offering named ida. The cow was also a great prize of war. Even cows' urine has medicinal qualities as it can be used to cure ailments. The state of Gujarat in India encourages sufferers of ailments to drink the urine and doctors prescribe it. Shiva's vehicle is Nandi the bull

  • Word count: 1109
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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