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GCSE Religious Studies · key term
The beneficial spiritual consequences of wholesome actions; some Buddhists dedicate merit to help the deceased.
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Paper 1
The beneficial spiritual effects of good actions. In some Buddhist funeral practices, these are shared with or dedicated to the deceased.
Revise: Death and Mourning CeremoniesIn Theravada communities, cremation is customary. It may be delayed while relatives carry out merit-making activities on behalf of the dead. Merit means the beneficial spiritual effects of good actions.
Paper 1, Paper 3
Revise: Death and the Afterlife in BuddhismSome believe that relatives can dedicate or transfer merit to the deceased, helping them towards a favourable rebirth. Such generosity can also benefit the giver when it is genuinely unselfish.
Positive spiritual benefit generated through good actions, such as generosity. Buddhists may dedicate this benefit to someone who has died.
For a question about contrasting rituals, make the difference explicit: for example, contrast Theravada merit-making with Tibetan readings intended to guide the dead through Bardo.
Explain the significance as well as the action: pouring water symbolises sharing merit, which is believed to help the deceased gain a better rebirth.
Explain a funeral practice by connecting what happens to the belief it expresses. For example, dedicating merit reflects hope for a favourable rebirth.
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