Introduction to the Law of Karma

17 Grade 10 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Introduction to the Law of Karma, with worked marking schemes. 17 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   Using an example in each case, explain the following types of karma classified by priority of effect in Buddhism:

   (a) habitual karma (2 marks)

   (b) death-proximate karma (2 marks) (Total: 4 marks)

   (4 marks)

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2. Question 2

   4 marks

   Explain two reasons why understanding the Law of Karma is important in a person's life. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   In the Buddhist classification of karma by function, which type weakens or interrupts the result of another karma without cutting it off completely, for example a long illness that spoils an otherwise comfortable life?

   A. destructive karma

   B. reproductive karma

   C. obstructive karma

   D. supportive karma

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   4 marks

   Describe the four aspects of karmic bondage (bandh) in Jainism. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

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5. Question 5

   4 marks

   Examine how the Law of Karma is linked to the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (samsara) in the four faiths. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any four of the following, 1 mark each (4 marks): - The karma a person builds up through actions determines the kind of birth that follows death (higher or lower, happy or painful). - Karma that has not yet been used up is carried forward, so the cycle continues life after life (e.g. sanchit karma in Sanatan Dharma). - In Jainism, karmic particles bound to the soul keep it trapped in samsara; when the destructive (ghati) karmas are destroyed the soul attains kevala jnana, and when all karma is shed it attains moksha and is freed from rebirth. - In Buddhism, karma driven by craving (tanha) and ignorance produces rebirth, although there is no permanent soul (anatta); when craving ends, nirvana (nibbana) ends the cycle. - In Sanatan Dharma, actions done without attachment and with knowledge of the Self end the binding power of karma and lead to moksha. - In Sikhism, karma decides the kind of birth a person takes, but liberation (mukti) from the cycle comes through God's grace and remembering the Name. - Good actions lead to better rebirths and bad actions to worse ones, so the law encourages righteous living now. - Present actions (kriyamana) become future causes, so the cycle runs as cause, effect and new cause.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches in Japji Sahib that good karma earns the 'robe' of a human birth. According to this teaching, the door of liberation (mukti) is finally opened through

   A. pilgrimage to sacred rivers

   B. rituals performed by priests

   C. long periods of strict fasting

   D. the grace of God (Nadar)

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Otieno, who has just turned 18, is learning to drive. He reverses carelessly and dents a neighbour's car while no one is watching. Which response best shows that he acknowledges his own action in line with the Law of Karma?

   A. telling the owner and offering to pay for the repair

   B. blaming the narrow parking space for the accident

   C. keeping quiet since nobody saw what had happened

   D. saying the dent was destined and could not be avoided

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   2 marks

   State the meaning of the Law of Karma. (2 marks)

   (2 marks)

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9. Question 9

   6 marks

   Discuss how an understanding of the Law of Karma can help to reduce risky behaviour on Kenyan roads. (6 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three well-developed points, 2 marks each (1 mark for the karma idea, 1 mark for the road behaviour it changes) (6 marks): - Knowing that every action has consequences makes drivers and boda boda riders avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and overloading, because harming others will return to them. - Choices made right now (kriyamana karma) shape the future, so a person who refuses to drink and drive or to use a phone while driving is actively protecting their future. - Karma counts whether or not anyone is watching, so road users obey traffic rules (seat belts, helmets, speed limits) even where there is no police officer or camera. - Since intention matters (cetana), deliberately ignoring safety rules is seen as morally serious, which encourages careful attitudes. - Fear of the karmic consequences of injuring or killing someone, including animals, encourages patience and courtesy towards pedestrians and other road users. - Bribing traffic officers or driving unroadworthy vehicles is seen as bad (dukrit) karma, so people keep vehicles in good condition and pay legitimate fines. - People who accept the consequences of their actions report crashes, help victims and do not flee the scene. - Sharing the teaching through videos, talks and campaigns can make others in the community more aware of road risks.

10. Question 10

    5 marks

    (a) Outline three entries a Grade 10 learner should make in a daily journal used to assess his or her own actions in relation to the Law of Karma. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain how keeping such a journal can lead to personal fulfilment. (2 marks) (Total: 5 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any three, 1 mark each (3 marks): - Good deeds done during the day, e.g. helping someone, telling the truth, sharing. - Wrong actions, words or thoughts, e.g. lying, anger, unkind words, wasting time. - The intention or motive behind important actions. - The consequences of the day's actions for oneself and for others. - How hard situations were handled, e.g. responding calmly to provocation. - Specific corrections or resolutions for the next day. - Apologies made, or ones still needed, to people who were wronged. (b) Any one well-explained point, 2 marks (1 mark for the point, 1 mark for explaining it): - Regular reflection makes the learner aware of their own behaviour, so bad habits are corrected early and good ones are strengthened, which builds a character they can be proud of. - Seeing growth in good actions over time brings inner peace, self-respect and a clear conscience. - It builds accountability and integrity, so the learner earns trust and better relationships with family, friends and teachers. - It turns the teaching on karma into practical daily habits that lead towards the faith's goal of liberation.

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    In the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna how to act so that his actions do not bind him. According to this teaching, a person should

    A. give up all action and withdraw into the forest

    B. act only when the reward is certain in advance

    C. leave every decision to fate and planetary signs

    D. do one's duty without craving its results

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    5 marks

    Draw a table showing the three types of karma in Sanatan Dharma and the two types of karma in Sikhism, giving the meaning of each type. (5 marks)

    (5 marks)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    Explain why intention (cetana) is central to the Buddhist understanding of karma. (4 marks)

    (4 marks)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    In Buddhism, karma classified by priority of effect has four types. Which type takes precedence over all the others in determining a person's next rebirth?

    A. weighty karma

    B. habitual karma

    C. death-proximate karma

    D. reserve karma

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    6 marks

    (a) Narrate a story from the life of an Enlightened Being in any one of the four faiths that shows the cyclic nature of the Law of Karma. (4 marks)

    (b) State two lessons a Grade 10 learner can learn from the story. (2 marks) (Total: 6 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any one accurate story, 1 mark for each of four key points (4 marks). Examples: Bhagwan Mahavira (Jainism): - In an earlier birth as the king Triprishtha Vasudeva, he told his attendant to stop the musicians once he fell asleep. - The attendant let the music go on, so the angry king had molten lead poured into the attendant's ears. - In his final life as Mahavira, while he stood in meditation, a cowherd (the attendant reborn) drove spikes into his ears. - Mahavira bore the pain calmly, without anger, and so shed this karma instead of creating new bondage. Angulimala (Buddhism): - Angulimala was a feared robber who killed many people and wore a garland of his victims' fingers. - The Buddha met him, calmly spoke to him and transformed him; he became a monk and later an arahant. - Even so, people attacked him with stones and sticks, and he returned wounded. - The Buddha told him he was now experiencing the results of his past deeds, which might otherwise have ripened over many lifetimes. Sajjan Thug (Sikhism): - Sajjan ran an inn where he pretended to be holy, then robbed and killed travellers. - Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana stayed at his inn, and the Guru sang a shabad about outward show and hidden sin. - Sajjan realised that his deeds would return to him, repented and asked for forgiveness. - He gave his wealth to the poor and turned the inn into a place of worship and service (dharamsal). Accept other accurate stories, e.g. King Dasharatha, who killed Shravan Kumar by mistake and was cursed to die of grief at being parted from his son Rama. (b) Any two, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Every action, good or bad, eventually returns to the doer. - Present suffering should be borne patiently, without revenge, so that no new bad karma is created. - It is never too late to repent and change one's life. - One should think before acting, especially when angry. - Good company and wise guidance can turn a person away from wrongdoing.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    According to Jain teaching, what mainly causes karmic matter to bind to the soul (jiva)?

    A. the decree of a creator deity

    B. the position of stars at birth

    C. passions such as anger and greed

    D. failure to perform temple rituals

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    3 marks

    Outline three ways in which the Sikh teaching on karma should guide the behaviour of a Sikh youth today. (3 marks)

    (3 marks)

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