Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yog)

23 Grade 7 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yog), with worked marking schemes. 23 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   A devotee repeats the name of Bhagwan quietly over and over, sometimes using a string of beads. What is this repetition of the divine name called?

   A. Japa (chanting the name)

   B. Aarti

   C. Sanskaar

   D. Yajna

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   4 marks

   A Grade 7 learner attends a gathering where devotees sing hymns and the names of God with love, clapping and playing instruments. She learns that this is a form of the Path of Devotion taught in the Bhagavad Gita.

   (a) Explain what is meant by Bhakti Yog. (2 marks)

   (b) Identify the devotional practice of singing hymns and the divine names in praise of God. (1 mark)

   (c) State one way a learner can show devotion (bhakti) to God in daily life. (1 mark)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Bhakti Yog is the path of loving devotion and surrender to God. As taught by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, it is the way of reaching God (and ultimately liberation/moksha) through wholehearted love, faith and worship, offering all one's actions and heart to the Divine. (2 marks) (b) The practice is called Bhajan/Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns and the divine names of God). (1 mark) (c) Any ONE way (1 mark): praying daily; singing or listening to bhajans/kirtans; offering worship (puja) at home or the temple; remembering and reciting God's name; reading the scriptures with love; serving others as a form of worship. (1 mark)

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A learner observes that during bhajan sessions at the temple, people of different ages and backgrounds sing together. Which value of Bhakti Yog does this best show?

   A. Fear of the priest

   B. Unity and fellowship among devotees

   C. Pride in wealth

   D. Competition for prizes

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   Devotees on the path of Bhakti often visit sacred places associated with Bhagwan to express their devotion. Such a devotional journey to a holy place is called what?

   A. A sacrifice

   B. A precept

   C. A pilgrimage (yatra)

   D. A sanskaar

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   6 marks

   Your teacher introduces the path of Bhakti Yog.

   (a) Explain the meaning of Bhakti Yog. (2 marks)

   (b) State two ways in which a Hindu can express devotion (bhakti) to Bhagwan. (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Bhakti Yog is the path/discipline of loving devotion and complete surrender to Bhagwan as the way to spiritual union/liberation. (2 marks) (b) Any two, 2 marks each: singing devotional songs (bhajan/kirtan); chanting/repeating the divine name (japa); performing aarti / offering light; prayer and worship (puja) at temple or home; going on pilgrimage (yatra); reading/listening to scriptures; offering flowers, food or water with love; serving others in the name of Bhagwan. (4 marks)

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   At a Hindu temple in Kisumu, devotees sing praises of Bhagwan in group songs accompanied by instruments. What is this devotional group singing called?

   A. Meditation

   B. Fasting

   C. Yajna

   D. Bhajan / Kirtan

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   6 marks

   Devotees on the path of Bhakti use several devotional practices. State what each of the following practices involves:

   (a) Bhajan/Kirtan. (2 marks)

   (b) Japa. (2 marks)

   (c) Aarti. (2 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Bhajan/Kirtan: singing devotional songs in praise of Bhagwan, often as a group with instruments. (2 marks) (b) Japa: repeating/chanting the name of Bhagwan or a mantra, often using a mala (string of beads). (2 marks) (c) Aarti: a ritual of waving a lit lamp (light) in circles before the image of Bhagwan while singing praises. (2 marks)

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   A devotee at a mandir sings kirtans and offers loving worship to Bhagwan, explaining that her path to the Divine is through pure love and surrender. Which Yog describes this path of loving devotion?

   A. Karma Yog

   B. Hatha Yog

   C. Bhakti Yog

   D. Jnana Yog

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Meera Bai is remembered in the Bhakti tradition. For what is she chiefly known?

   A. Leading an army in battle

   B. Founding the Jain religion

   C. Writing books on mathematics

   D. Composing devotional songs in loving devotion to Bhagwan Krishna

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    In Bhakti Yog, the string of beads a devotee uses to count repetitions of the divine name is called what?

    A. A mala

    B. A conch

    C. A trishul

    D. A diya

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    During evening worship, a devotee waves a lit lamp in circles before the image of Bhagwan while singing. What is this ritual of waving light called?

    A. Japa

    B. Kirtan

    C. Aarti

    D. Havan

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A learner explains that her grandmother follows the path of loving devotion to God, spending time singing hymns and surrendering her heart to the Lord rather than relying only on rituals. Which path of yog is the grandmother following?

    A. Bhakti Yog

    B. Karma Yog

    C. Hatha Yog

    D. Raja Yog

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    6 marks

    In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna says that whoever offers even a leaf, a flower, fruit or water with love is accepted by him.

    (a) State what this teaching shows about what matters most in devotion. (2 marks)

    (b) Give two lessons a Grade 7 learner can draw from this teaching. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) It shows that the love, sincerity and devotion of the heart matter more than the size, cost or value of the offering. (2 marks) (b) Any two, 2 marks each: give/serve with a sincere and loving heart rather than to show off; even small acts done with love are valuable; humility in worship and giving; Bhagwan looks at intention, not quantity; the poor can worship as fully as the rich. (4 marks)

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    A Grade 7 learner asks the meaning of 'Bhakti Yog'. Which description best captures the path of Bhakti Yog?

    A. The path of gaining wealth

    B. The path of scientific study

    C. The path of loving devotion and surrender to Bhagwan

    D. The path of physical exercises only

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    6 marks

    Explain three benefits that a young person can gain from following the path of devotion (Bhakti Yog). (6 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three, 2 marks each (point + explanation): it develops humility and reduces pride/selfishness; it brings inner peace, joy and contentment; it strengthens love and closeness to Bhagwan; it builds good moral character and self-discipline; it creates unity and fellowship among devotees during communal worship; it gives hope and comfort in times of difficulty. (6 marks)

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    A learner asks how Bhakti Yog differs from other paths of Yog such as Karma Yog and Gyan Yog. What mainly distinguishes Bhakti Yog?

    A. It focuses on selfless action

    B. It focuses on loving devotion to Bhagwan

    C. It rejects all worship

    D. It focuses on knowledge and study

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    4 marks

    Bhakti Yog is one of several paths (yog) in Hindu teaching.

    (a) State how Bhakti Yog differs from Karma Yog. (2 marks)

    (b) State the central attitude a devotee should have towards Bhagwan in Bhakti Yog. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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18. Question 18

    4 marks

    Bhakti saints spread the path of devotion in a way ordinary people could follow.

    (a) Name the saint who composed the Ramcharitmanas in devotion to Bhagwan Rama. (1 mark)

    (b) Name a woman saint famous for devotional songs to Bhagwan Krishna. (1 mark)

    (c) State two reasons why the Bhakti saints were important. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna assures the devotee that whoever offers even a leaf, a flower, or water with love and devotion is accepted. What quality makes such an offering acceptable?

    A. The love and devotion behind it

    B. The size of the offering

    C. Its high monetary value

    D. The number of witnesses present

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    1 mark

    A great Bhakti saint composed the Ramcharitmanas, a devotional retelling of the life of Bhagwan Rama in a language ordinary people could understand. Who was this saint?

    A. Tulsidas

    B. Valmiki

    C. Mahavira

    D. Guru Nanak

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    6 marks

    Every evening Ravi joins his family in singing devotional songs before the murti of their Ishta Devata, ringing a bell and offering a small lamp. His friend asks him why his family does this instead of just reading books about God.

    (a) Explain what is meant by Bhakti Yog (the Path of Devotion). (2 marks)

    (b) Describe TWO practices through which a devotee can express bhakti (devotion) to the Divine. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Bhakti Yog is the spiritual path of loving devotion and complete surrender to God (Paramatma / the Ishta Devata). The devotee seeks union with the Divine through love, faith and remembrance rather than through reasoning alone, offering all actions and feelings to God. (2 marks) (b) Any TWO well explained, e.g.: (i) Kirtan/bhajan — singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of God, which focuses the mind on the Divine; (ii) Puja — worshipping the murti with offerings such as flowers, lamp (aarti), incense and food (prasad); (iii) Japa — repeating God's name or a mantra, often using a mala, to keep the mind on God; (iv) Reading/listening to scriptures and prayer. (2 marks each = 4 marks)

22. Question 22

    1 mark

    A teacher lists benefits a learner can gain from practising devotion. Which is a benefit of following the path of devotion?

    A. It makes one greedy for wealth

    B. It develops humility, love and inner peace

    C. It removes the need for good conduct

    D. It encourages hatred of others

    (1 mark)

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23. Question 23

    1 mark

    Bhakti Yog teaches that a devotee should relate to Bhagwan with a particular attitude. Which attitude is central to Bhakti Yog?

    A. Desire for revenge

    B. Love, humility and total surrender

    C. Pride and self-importance

    D. Fear of other people

    (1 mark)

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