Basic Chants and Mantras

21 Grade 6 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Basic Chants and Mantras, with worked marking schemes. 21 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   2 marks

   Define the term 'mantra'.

   (2 marks)

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2. Question 2

   3 marks

   State three benefits of chanting mantras.

   (3 marks)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A traditional mala used for chanting usually has

   A. 500 beads

   B. 12 beads

   C. 108 beads

   D. 50 beads

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   3 marks

   (a) Name the most sacred mantra in Hinduism.

   (b) Explain its importance.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Om / Aum (1 mark). (b) Up to 2 marks: it is regarded as the sound of God/the whole universe; chanting it brings peace and helps a worshipper focus during prayer and meditation.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   A Grade 6 pupil who chants quietly before an exam is likely to

   A. forget the answers

   B. feel calm and less nervous

   C. fall asleep in the exam

   D. become more worried

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   4 marks

   Explain two ways chanting mantras can help a learner while in school.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   2 marks per point (max 4): it calms the mind so the learner can concentrate on lessons; it reduces worry before tests or exams; it helps a learner relax and stay disciplined. Accept any two well-explained points.

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   The string of beads used to help count while chanting mantras is called a

   A. mala

   B. tulsi

   C. kara

   D. diya

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   A mantra is best described as

   A. a sacred word or sound repeated during prayer

   B. a holy river

   C. a type of temple building

   D. a festival meal

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   The main reason Hindus chant mantras is to

   A. pass the time

   B. frighten away visitors

   C. make loud noise

   D. calm the mind and focus on God

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    4 marks

    (a) State the meaning of the sound 'Om'.

    (b) Give two occasions when Hindus chant.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 2 marks: Om is the sacred sound believed to represent God and the whole universe. (b) 1 mark each (max 2): during prayer/worship; during meditation; at the start of ceremonies; before yoga or pranaayam; in the temple.

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Many Hindus prefer to chant mantras

    A. late at midnight only

    B. early in the morning

    C. during meals

    D. while watching games

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    3 marks

    Give three things a person should do to chant mantras properly.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each (max 3): find a quiet, calm place; sit in a respectful, comfortable posture; keep the mind focused; repeat the mantra clearly and steadily; use a mala to keep count.

13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Repeating a mantra many times mainly helps a person to

    A. concentrate during meditation

    B. get tired quickly

    C. forget everything

    D. feel afraid

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    2 marks

    Explain why chanting is often done early in the morning.

    (2 marks)

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15. Question 15

    3 marks

    Describe how a mala (prayer beads) is used during chanting.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Up to 3 marks: the beads are held in the hand; the person moves one bead through the fingers each time the mantra is repeated; when all 108 beads have been counted, one full round of chanting is complete. This helps keep count and maintain focus.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Chanting of mantras is best done in a place that is

    A. quiet and calm

    B. noisy and crowded

    C. dark and dirty

    D. busy with games

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    The Gayatri Mantra is commonly chanted to ask God for

    A. wisdom and light

    B. rain only

    C. more money

    D. victory in games

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The most sacred sound or mantra in Hinduism is

    A. Amrit

    B. Om (Aum)

    C. Prana

    D. Langar

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    When chanting mantras, a person should sit

    A. facing away in anger

    B. while shouting

    C. calmly and respectfully

    D. while running about

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    1 mark

    A learner quietly repeats 'Om Namah Shivaya' to help herself concentrate. She is

    A. reciting a poem for fun

    B. reading a story

    C. singing a national song

    D. chanting a mantra

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    1 mark

    Chanting a mantra together with others in the temple is called

    A. pranaayam

    B. langar

    C. kirtan/congregational chanting

    D. ahimsa

    (1 mark)

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