QUESTION 3(a)
GS4
10 marks
What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss which of Buddha's teachings matter most today and why.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Middle path: against extremes of consumption and denial≈30 words
- 2Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path: right speech, action, livelihood for ethical life≈30 words
- 3Compassion (karuna) and non-violence: conflict resolution, animal welfare≈30 words
- 4Reason and inquiry (Kalama Sutta), equality (sangha open to all castes)≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Brief intro3–4 teachings each with modern relevanceConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Biography of Buddha
- No 'why' for relevance
Draw this
- Table: teaching → today's problem
Value addition
- SourceKalama Sutta: do not accept things merely because of tradition or authority; test them by reason and experience.Anguttara Nikaya
- ExampleAmbedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956 for its message of equality.Historical record
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Abhishek Singh · Page 9 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ritika Chitlangia · Page 10 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Aditya Pathak · Page 21 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- G Sanjana · AIR 55 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.