HINDUISM Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Paper 9014/01 Paper 1 General comments Some candidates were able to demonstrate thoughtful and well-informed responses. Those who obtained the higher marks did so by showing evidence of independent thought (as opposed to relaying class or revision notes). Candidates must have practice in thinking about a topic and discussing possible points of view. In Section D candidates should be careful not to equate the work of the reformers with modern campaigns for 'rights' or 'gender equality' where these categories are not appropriate. Any use of words such as 'eradicated' must be supported by historical evidence. Phrases such as 'a means and an end' should not be introduced unless the candidate is able to explain their meaning in a given context. Merely introducing such phrases will not gain marks. Comments on specific questions Section A Question 1 Candidates who mentioned the importance of fire in Hindu ritual generally received higher marks. This was also true of the Vedic hymns to Agni. It was noticeable that few candidates had read and really understood the hymns given as examples. Candidates could improve their answers by referring to Indra or Varuna. Question 2 Many excellent responses demonstrated evidence of studying and discussing the text with thoughtful answers. Other candidates needed to be more independent with their answers rather than repeating class or revision notes. Those candidates who simply answered by repeating notes were unable to truly discuss the questions raised. Pre-university candidates who are born into a world of microbiology and space probes might be expected to have devoted some thought to these topics. Some candidates did, however, recognise that the Purusha Sukta's ideas of 'creation' and 'sacrifice' could have religious significance for Hindus today and need not be rejected as 'unscientific'. Question 3 Good marks for this question depended on precise knowledge of the set text and of the significance of each of the inter-related elements in the parable. The majority of candidates, however, told the story of Naciketas, which was not required, and left the parable to a brief final paragraph, in which the details were very often wrongly identified. Candidates need to develop their answers so they are not simply 'telling the story'. Section B Question 4 This question proved popular and was one of the best answered. The strongest answers put Rama's life securely in the context of Vishnu's purposes in taking physical form as an avatar. Those candidates who gained the higher marks included Rama's fulfilment of his dharma and said that Vishnu came as Rama solely to be a good person.
Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Question 5 Some candidates were successful in tackling the question directly, examining this key incident in terms of each person's dharma and of their human strengths and failings. Those candidates who gave excellent answer were able to go beyond a simple narrative and analyse the questions. Question 6 Although Chapter 9 of the Gita is a prescribed text, not many candidates appeared to have studied it. Candidates with good responses included Krishna's 'welcome'. Those answers that displayed in depth knowledge and understanding showed that the 'welcome', in the 'way of bhakti' did not imply that Krishna envisaged rewarding a life of moral laziness or wrongdoing. Section C Question 7 Some candidates had studied this topic and were well informed on the Alvars and the traditions which surround this South Indian movement. Other answers were too short and vague. Certainly one theme of the Alvars' message was critical of the challenge of Buddhism and Jainism, but references to 'forced conversions to Christianity and Islam' were anachronistic or otherwise erroneous. Question 8 Candidates who gave good answers not only wrote about 'bhakti' or 'Tulsidasa' but backed this up with reference at all to the actual text of the poetry. Other responses narrated, without reference to the question, the stories of Kewat and Shabri, presumably recalled from O Level studies. Occasionally there was a passing reference to Hanuman (wrongly identified in some cases with 'the monkey king'). Question 9 Candidates who had studied the poetry of Surdasa produced creditable answers, showing understanding of the poet's spiritual despair and his taking refuge in the love of Krishna. Candidates need to understand that it is necessary to make reference at all the maya, or discuss maya as a philosophical idea. Some candidates misunderstood and thought the maya referred to Radha and told the story of Krishna and the gopis.
Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Section D Question 10 There were some creditable answers to this question, showing understanding of Ramakrishna's particular religious experience and legacy. Although more candidates could have benefited by referring to his lasting legacy, closer reference could have been made to his sayings and influence on those who were closest to him spiritually. Question 11 Candidates who tackled this question generally understood its importance and gave a reasonable response. More specific references to examples of Gandhi's acts of civil disobedience would have helped many to gain higher marks. Question 12 The work of Dayananda was generally well known, though the account from most candidates appeared to originate from a single source, appearing in near-identical words. Those candidates who achieved high marks showed evidence of considering the question, although the question itself was regularly copied out in a final paragraph. The significance of 'back to the Vedas' needed to be explored by more candidates, although this is a key element in the study of Dayananda's thinking and legacy.
Cambridge International Advanced Level HINDUISM Paper 9014/02 Paper 2 General Comments Some candidates did very well this year. There have been more responses marked with the lower band this year, especially Section C where candidates usually do better. Comments on specific questions: Section A This year produced some of the best responses from candidates. Question 1 Candidates who achieved higher marks were able to discuss Samkhya and Yoga as separate systems and consequently addressed the question. Those higher ability candidates concentrated on moksha or liberation. Some candidates only achieved average marks lacked detail in their answers with only a general account of Samkhya philosophy or a description of eight limbs of yoga. Those responses which included a description of eight limbs of yoga were more suited as a response to Question 2. Question 2 This question was reasonably well answered showing good knowledge of the eight limbs and their application. Those candidates who achieved the higher marks defined what yoga actually was in clear, comprehensive terms before analysing and answering the statement. Candidates who performed well addressed the analytical aspect of the question relating to the theoretical basis of yoga rooted in Samkhya yoga. Marks were awarded to those who were able to identify the eight limbs of yoga and understand it as part of yoga philosophy. Question 3 This was the most popular question in this section and was generally very well answered. Sankara had been well prepared by most (often in the analytical aspect identical words), though some achieved top marks for mature answers, the better candidates did make sensible comparisons with Ramanuja without being distracted from main purpose of assessing how far the statement relates to Sankara. Candidates who understood the philosophy of Sankara (for example included the concept of the world being an illusion or used the metaphor of the snake and the rope) gained high marks. Question 4 This year did throw up some really good answers which showed proper preparation and understanding. Those candidates who outlined who Ramanuja was, and were, able to give detailed understanding and knowledge of Brahman, the nature of his soul, the idea that there is no beginning or end and that Brahman sustains and destroys were awarded the high marks. Candidates who were able to refer to Hindu texts in relation to Ramanuja gave sophisticated answers and analysis of the question.
Cambridge International Advanced Level Section B Question 5 Candidates who attempted it were well prepared on Jainism (more than in former years) and did well. Candidates could improve on this answer by comparing aspects of the question, of Jainism with Hinduism and this restricted the availability of marks. Those candidates who received high marks were able to identify the Triple Gems of Jainism, the importance of controlling the senses (including the mind) and the true nature of the soul. Question 6 Candidates who did well understood the question and included lots of detail. Candidates made their marks on understanding of Buddhism in general writing about the four sights and the Four Noble Truths. Good answers included the middle way and the Upanishads together with comparing Buddhism with Hinduism. Marks were awarded to those candidates who understood Buddha s teachings to be philosophical, ethical and a guide for humankind to attain Nirvana. Sophisticated answers easily relayed the differences of Buddhism and Hinduism yet were able to draw similarities between the two as well using examples from the Upanishads. Question 7 This was the most popular and best answered question. Most candidates knew the Noble Eightfold Path with the best answers demonstrating its practical significance for today. To gain marks candidates needed to outline the Eightfold Path in detail considering the practical importance and relevance it has in Theravada Buddhism historically and to this day. Candidates who referred to the Upanishads and related it back to the Buddha s teachings showed sophistication and a deeper understanding of the question. Those good answers were able to discuss the Noble Eightfold Path in the context of modern life. It could be said that that modern day life is consumerism and creates materialism. If people understand the impermanence of objects then detachment takes place. Section C Question 8 This was the most popular question in this section since most candidates could give good descriptions of the avatars, which was broadly relevant. The more able candidates responded correctly to the question by focusing on the two major avtars, but rarely managed to relate the quotation to the question. Candidates who did well in answering this question had clearly studied the subject in depth. Candidates who wrote identified and wrote about all ten avatars did not gain higher marks, in fact they could have improved their answer by focussing on Rama and Krishna showing in what ways they did enter into the universe and how they are said to re-establish dharma. Question 9 This was a popular question. Excellent answers included an understanding of ahimsa and Kartikeya and were able to described murti and stories relating to him as well as his rivalry with Ganesha. Candidates who achieved higher marks were able to demonstrate a level of reflection when considering Karikeya and ahimsa. Those candidates who did very well on this answer discussed the paradox of ahimsa and violence in the same religion. Question 10 This was a popular question and those candidates who achieved high marks were able to discuss the place of puja in Hinduism. Those candidates who gained high marks were able to discuss the importance of the link between personal moral conduct alongside that of ritualism. Candidates who set out each aspect of the question (purity, straightforwardness, Brahmacarya and abstinence from injury) and relayed it back to puja were able to give the most comprehensive answers. Many good answers relayed the question to the modern world and how this can affect the practice of puja (for example illicit drugs and alcohol).
Cambridge International Advanced Level Section D Question 11 Candidates did generally know about the four ashramas describing them in varying details. Those candidates who achieved the highest marks displayed knowledge of the four ashramas in the context of a single system and addressed the question of the harmonisation of the different challenges faced at each stage. Good answers included why the four ashramas are beneficial and how that they can potentially lead humankind to the ultimate goal of liberation. Question 12 Candidates who engaged with all four purushartas (dharma: righteousness artha: prosperity kama: desire and mokṣa: (spiritual) liberation ) and understood each one gave the best answers. Those candidates were able, through clearly stating each purusharthas, how this related to moksha. Candidates needed to show the link between the four purushartas being the real objectives to the Hindu to attain moksha. Candidates also needed reference to dharma and good marks were given to those who could relate dharma to the family i.e to earn money fairly and not through means of stealing, corruption or gambling. Those who were able to reinforce their argument in the context of modernity gained the highest marks. For example candidates discussing modern households perhaps losing sight and focusing on materialistic tendencies. Question 13 This was particularly popular. Candidates who described the law of karma and went on to relate it to God in a mature and reflective manner gained higher marks. There were some good attempts here, and it was one question where the best candidates both knew about the concept of karma and seem to have thought about the issues deeply. Candidates need to display a knowledge and understanding of what the soul is and how this relates to the law of karma.