Spiritualities | Diverse ways in which individuals or communities engage with the sacred, seeking meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine or transcendent. |
Belief | Acceptance or conviction in the truth of a particular concept, doctrine, or worldview, often rooted in faith and central to religious practices. |
Adherents | Followers or practitioners of a particular religious or spiritual tradition. |
Transcendent | All-powerful, all-knowing, and beyond the limitations of time and space. It is a supreme being that transcends the natural order. A transcendent God is one who exists beyond or outside the material world |
Immanent | An immanent God is one who is intimately involved with, and inherent in, the material world. This deity is present within and actively participating in the ongoing processes of the universe. |
Inextricable connection to land | A spiritual belief that emphasises the sacred connection between individuals or communities and the land they inhabit, considering it as an integral part of their religious identity. |
Supernatural | Phenomena or entities that exist outside the realm of natural laws or the observable universe, often associated with divine forces or mystical occurrences. |
Traditions | Rituals, customs, and practices passed down through generations within a religious or cultural community, forming the foundation of their spiritual identity. |
Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent deeper meanings or concepts within religious contexts, often conveying spiritual truths or narratives. |
Worldview | The overall perspective through which individuals or communities interpret and understand the world, including their beliefs about the nature of existence, morality, and the divine. |
Divine | Pertaining to the nature of God or the sacred, often associated with supreme, transcendent, or supernatural powers. |
The Dreaming | In Indigenous Australian religious beliefs, "The Dreaming" refers to the time of creation when ancestral beings formed the world and established cultural norms; it encompasses the ongoing spiritual connection to these ancestors and the land. |
Spirit Beings | A few all-powerful transcendental beings who created the earth |
Kinship | Kinship is the Dreaming dictate network of obligations, treatment of land, behaviour, and the passing on of the Dreaming from Elder to child. This is important as it dictates all aspects of life and allows spirituality to remain living and dynamic. |
Totems | A natural object, plant or animal that is inherited by members of a Clan or family as their spiritual emblem. |
- religion as a worldview that:
- – acknowledges the supernatural dimension
- – has a belief in a divine being or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within the individual
- A worldview represents the most fundamental beliefs and assumptions an individual or community has about the universe; the way a society sees the world.
- It is the way which people answer questions.
- Cultural assumptions and experiences culminate to form a worldview.
- In religion a worldview is determined by the principal teachings and beliefs of the religion.
e.g. In Buddhism and Hinduism religion is seen as a cycle, opposed to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, who see religion as linear intended until the day of judgement. | - define the supernatural dimension:
- The most significant element of a religious worldview is their belief in the supernatural dimension.
e.g. Christians acknowledge the supernatural dimension through prayer, or through miracles such as when Jesus walks on water. - A supernatural dimension refers to the dimension of reality where powers or beings exist beyond the understanding of the natural or human world ( including having powers or abilities that exceed those of humans).
- It can not be explained through rational thought or science.
e.g. Christians believing in Gods existence through the trinity. - This belief in a divine entity or force is responsible for the:
- Creation of the world
- Framework for human life
- Ultimate destiny after mortal life
- Among other things
- One type of supernatural dimension worldviews is monotheism: the belief and/or worship in only one deity or power.
e.g. Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) believe in a single divine being or power in the supernatural dimension. - Another type of supernatural dimension worldview is polytheism; the belief and/or worship of several powers/deities.
e.g. Eastern religions (Hinduism and Buddhism) understand multiple divine beings or powers. |
- discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human:
- In religions with a transcendent worldview, there is a belief in the existence of a higher power or divine being that transcends the material universe.
- Or in other words: A transcendent worldview is one that embraces the ideology of a divine power beyond the human capability and natural law. e.g. Allah in Islam; who Muslims are expected to devout their life to his divine will.
- Transcendent worldviews often suggest the presence of spiritual realms or dimensions beyond the grasp of human perception and direct observation. These dimensions offer opportunities for individuals to meet their divine, or to attain the ultimate reward/ liberation.
e.g. Heaven, paradise/ Jannah, Nirvana, or other states of existence. - Central to a transcendent worldview is the belief that life has a deeper purpose and meaning beyond the human physical existence.
- Followers of transcendent religions often seek to understand and fulfill their spiritual destiny through adherence to religious teachings, moral living, and spiritual practices.
- Humans are to surpass their earthly concerns and existence to focus on heavenly and spiritual matters. e.g. Through meditation.
- Often, although the God exists beyond the human, they provide constant guidance throughout everyday existence interacting from afar.
- Through divine revelation in sacred texts, prophetic teachings, and mystical experiences, believers gain glimpses of God's transcendent nature and receive guidance on the spiritual path.
- Even though the deity or power resides separate from the human, they can be invoked or reached through some human activities or rituals.
e.g. prayer, sacrifice, etc. |
- discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual:
- Immanence teaches that the divine presence infiltrates into all aspects of creation, from the smallest atom to the whole expanse of the universe.
- God is believed to be intimately involved in the ongoing processes of creation, sustenance, and transformation, continuously manifesting divine presence within the world as a constant and conceivable reality. e.g. Evident in Christianity who believe that Christ walked alongside the common man or the belief in seeing the face of Christ in someone.
- Immanence emphasises the sacredness of nature and the natural world.
- It teaches that the divine can be encountered and experienced through the beauty, harmony, and interconnectedness of the natural world, leading to a deep respect for the environment.
- Immanence teaches that human beings are created in the image of God and possess a spark of the divine within themselves.
- This divine essence imbues human life with inherent value, dignity, and potential for spiritual growth.
- As the power is intertwined within the human, the deity can often be reached through an internal reflection.
e.g. Buddhism meditation to reach Nirvana giving a sense of overall wellbeing. - Religions can be both immanent and transcendent. Oftentimes, religions can only be explained upon close analysis and balance between immanent and transcendent.
e.g. Christianity, who believe that God is transcendent, but Jesus walked along side humans who are made in the image of the Lord. |
- characteristics of religion:
- beliefs and believers
- sacred texts and writings
- ethics
- rituals and ceremonies
- Religions give people a way to understand life's uncertainties by providing meaning.
- They do this through four characteristics, beliefs and believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics, and rituals and ceremonies.
| - define the characteristics of religion: beliefs and believers
- Beliefs refer to the acceptance of something that exists, or, in the case of religion, refer to the attitudes towards mythological, supernatural, or spiritual aspects of a religion.
e.g. Christianity's beliefs include the Holy Trinity, the Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ and the divine inspiration of the Bible. - Beliefs are central to religion and often serve as the foundation of religious practice and identity.
- They encompass a set of doctrines, teachings, principles, and values that guide the worldview, ethics, and behaviours of believers.
- Religious beliefs may include concepts about the nature of the divine or sacred, the origin and purpose of existence, the afterlife, moral codes, rituals, and the relationship between humanity and the divine or spiritual realm.
- These beliefs are typically derived from sacred texts, oral traditions, religious authorities, and personal experiences of believers.
- Beliefs can vary widely among different religious traditions, reflecting the diversity of human cultures, histories, and worldviews.
- Believers refer to the adherents of the religion, who follow these beliefs.
e.g. Jewish people who adhere to the beliefs of Judaism such as the belief in one God and the covenant between Abraham and God - Believers are individuals who adhere to and identify with the teachings, practices, and values of a particular religion or spiritual tradition.
- They may form communities or congregations that gather for worship, study, fellowship, and mutual support.
e.g. Sunday school in Christianity. - Believers often express their faith through rituals, prayers, meditation, acts of devotion, and participation in religious ceremonies and festivals.
e.g. Wearing the Hijab in Islam, or Hasidic dressing in Judaism. - Believers may hold diverse interpretations of religious teachings and may practice their faith in varying degrees of intensity, from devout adherence to casual observance.
- Religious communities provide social, emotional, and spiritual support for believers, fostering a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose.
- Believers may also engage in outreach, evangelism, or missionary work to share their faith with others and promote religious values and teachings.
e.g. Mormon mission or Hajj pilgrimage. - Beliefs and believers ensure that the faith is sustained and continues to propagate itself.
- Without belief, there can be no believers. Without believers, there is no one who believes.
- They keep harmony within the religious community, and keep alive the beliefs, religious traditions, and identity of the religion.
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- define the characteristics of religion: sacred texts and writings
- All religions have a body of oral or written text, or both, that provide the foundation for the beliefs, ethics and rituals of the religion.
- Sacred texts are revered as authoritative and divinely inspired writings within religious traditions.
- Many religious traditions believe that their sacred texts are a means of divine revelation, through which God or the divine communicates with humanity.
e.g. Judaism - They are considered to contain teachings, doctrines, narratives, and moral guidelines that are essential for:
- understanding the nature of the divine
- the purpose of existence
- the proper conduct of believers
- Etc.
- Sacred texts are subject to interpretation and exegesis by religious scholars, clergy, and believers. They are studied, analysed, and interpreted to uncover deeper layers of meaning, historical context, and moral lessons.
- Sacred texts are often used in religious rituals, ceremonies, and liturgical practices. Passages from these texts may be recited, chanted, or sung as part of worship services, prayers, blessings, and sacraments, or be the basis for the ritual/ ceremony itself.
e.g. Jesus baptism by St John forming the basis of baptism which is continued in Christianity. - Religious communities ensure the integrity and authenticity of their sacred texts through meticulous copying, transcription, translation, and memorisation.
- Believers are dedicated to the transmission and preservation of their scriptures across generations, safeguarding them as precious treasures of religious heritage.
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- define the characteristics of religion: ethics
- Ethics are a set of moral principles that dictate the lives of adherents, providing a guide as to right and wrong.
- Shows adherents what to do and what to refrain from doing.
- Religious ethics reflect the core values and teachings of a particular faith tradition.
e.g. emphasising virtues such as compassion, justice, honesty, humility, and love. - Religious ethics contribute to the maintenance of social harmony and order by promoting ethical behaviour, respect for authority, and adherence to communal norms and values.
- Ethics in religion provide a pathway for spiritual growth and moral development.
- By following ethical principles and virtues, people can cultivate inner qualities such as integrity, empathy, and selflessness, leading to personal transformation and spiritual fulfillment.
- Believers view ethical behaviour as a form of worship and devotion to God, reflecting their love and reverence for the sacred.
- They provide a framework for understanding the significance of human existence and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
- Provide direction and clarification to adherents who apply them- on why and how they must be applied
e.g. Christianity's ethics include Acts - guide to the way Christians should behave in society. |
- define the characteristics of religion: rituals and ceremonies
- A ritual or ceremony refers to a system of gestures or actions performed in a particular manner that link adherents to their supreme beings in a physical way.
e.g. Christian rituals include sacraments and the mass, while Judaism's rituals include the Shabbat and the Passover. - Rituals and ceremonies provide believers with tangible ways to express their faith and devotion to their religious beliefs.
They offer opportunities for - Worship
- Prayer
- Acts of reverence
All allowing individuals to connect with the divine and reaffirm their spiritual commitment. - Rituals and ceremonies bring religious communities together, fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and solidarity among believers.
e.g. Worship services, such as Mass in Christianity, Salah in Islam, or Puja in Hinduism, are communal rituals that involve collective prayer, singing, scripture reading, and preaching. - Rituals and ceremonies serve as a means of transmitting religious tradition and heritage from one generation to the next. They embody the teachings, values, and customs of a religious tradition, passing down sacred knowledge and practices through symbolic actions, narratives, and rituals.
- They mark significant milestones in the religious calendar, such as holy days, festivals, and rites of passage, allowing believers to enter sacred time and commune with the transcendent. e.g. Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, and Passover.
- Rituals and ceremonies often facilitate spiritual transformation and personal growth.
e.g. the Hajj to Mecca in Islam, the pilgrimage to Varanasi in Hinduism, and the Camino de Santiago in Christianity. - One of the primary purposes of rituals is communication. Rituals communicate or are intended to communicate to self, others, or deities.
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- explore the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic, living religion
- A dynamic religion is a religion which embodies its core beliefs whilst still adapting facets (the characteristics of religion) to modern context (sign of the times).
Vatican 2 understanding that veiling is not the typical practise, so removing its mandate from church. - This in turn allows for adherents to practice their given religion within their societal bounds. It is practical, real, and immersed in every day human existence.
- Dynamic implies it is sustainable and adaptable yet true to its fundamental beliefs which refresh themselves to remain applicable in the lives of adherents.
- Living furthers that idea that it is active and relevant over ever-changing contexts.
- Every characteristic relies on the others to continue the growth of the religion. Through interactions, the faith remains relevant in society.
e.g. - Beliefs inform the meaning and significance of rituals. e.g. The belief of having pride in oneself informing the practise of Bat/Bar Mitzvahs.
- Ethical principles derived from sacred texts guide believers' conduct. e.g. Ten Commandments/ Beatitudes.
- Believers draw on their ethical convictions and interpretations of sacred texts.
- This dynamic interplay fosters ongoing adaptation and renewal of the religious tradition
- Rituals express and reinforce religious beliefs. e.g. The Eucharist in Catholicism representing the belief in Jesus Christ.
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- the contribution of religion
| - individuals
- Peoples search for meaning
- Religions can help answer peoples personal search for meaning.
- Individuals seek answers to existential questions of life as a natural human instinct.
- What is the meaning of life?
- Is there an existence of a higher power?
- Is there an afterlife?
- Religion offers narratives, teachings, and practices that provide frameworks for understanding and coping with life's mysteries.
e.g. Practises such as meditation in Buddhism to recenter the being. - During times of personal trauma or existential crisis, religion can offer solace, hope, and a sense of purpose.
- Ethical guidance
- Religion serves as a moral compass, providing principles and guidelines for ethical behaviour.
- Religious teachings often emphasise virtues such as compassion, honesty, and justice.
- Bioethical dilemmas prompt discussions within religious communities about the sanctity of life and human dignity. E.g. like those involving cloning, stem cell research, and end-of-life care, etc.
- Sexual morality within religious contexts
- teachings on marriage
- fidelity
- Contraception
- LGBTQ+ rights.
- Religions advocate for social justice and address issues. e.g. Ladauto Si addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship.
- Sense of Belonging
- Religious communities offer a sense of belonging and shared identity among adherents.
- Participation in religious rituals, ceremonies, and communal worship strengthens bonds within the community.
e.g. Sunday School for Christians - Fellowship and support from fellow believers provide emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance during life's challenges.
- Ritual meaning
- Rituals in religious traditions imbue significant life events with spiritual meaning and cultural significance.
- Ceremonies such as baptism, bar/bat mitzvahs, confirmation, and weddings mark transitions and milestones in individuals' lives.
- Rituals reinforce religious beliefs, values, and traditions, fostering continuity across generations.
e.g. Confirmation for Catholics - Participating in rituals connects individuals to their religious heritage and community, reinforcing their sense of identity and purpose.
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- society
- Interaction between culture and religion
- Religion is deeply influenced by cultural contexts, as expressions of faith are shaped by cultural norms and traditions.
- Cultural conditioning can impact religious practices and beliefs. e.g. seen in examples like the restrictions on women becoming abbesses in Theravadan Buddhism.
- Conversely, religion also shapes culture, influencing societal norms and values over time.
- Religion as a conservative influence on society:
- Religion often plays a conservative role in society, particularly regarding issues of sexual morality and bioethics.
- Religious groups contribute to social debates, advocating for traditional values and opposing changes that challenge established beliefs.
- The conservative stance of religion is evident in its efforts to maintain traditional values in modern society.
- Religion as a progressive influence on society:
- Religion can also be a force for progress, advocating for social justice and human rights.
Religious principles, such as the emphasis on human dignity, motivate activism in areas like refugee rights, environmental protection, and opposition to violence. - Religion engages in social debates to promote change and challenge existing norms, striving for a more just and compassionate society.
- Contribution of religion to Australian society:
- Religion has played a significant role in shaping Australian society, both positively and negatively.
- Historical conflicts, such as sectarianism between Protestants and Catholics, have had negative impacts on social cohesion.
Some religious groups face suspicion and discrimination, contributing to societal tensions. - However, religion also promotes values of faith, hope, and love, fostering unity and community spirit.
- Religious traditions influence national celebrations like Christmas and ANZAC Day, providing a sense of identity and shared heritage.
- Religious institutions provide moral and ethical guidelines, as well as social welfare services, contributing to the well-being of Australian society.
Religion advocates for justice and reconciliation, with many Christian groups actively involved in initiatives like the movement towards Aboriginal reconciliation. |
- nature of the Dreaming
- The dreaming is a European term which defines the Aboriginal Spirituality
- It is sacred, secular, and immersed in everything within Indigenous life.
- The Dreaming is a complex network of knowledge, faith and practices which dominates all spiritual and physical aspects of Aboriginal life. It is the most fundamental idea in Aboriginal religion.
- It is the religio-cultural world view.
of Indigenous Australians Dreaming is the past, the present and the future (meta-temporal) - Dreaming establishes the rules linking the relationship between Aboriginal people, the land and all things associated with Aboriginal life. It permeates all aspects of the physical and metaphysical world, and all aspects of aboriginal culture and belief.
- Dreaming is experienced through songs, stories, rituals and symbols.
| - outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: – origins of the universe.
- The Dreaming stories of creation are the foundation of Aboriginal religion. The Dreaming came when the first beings, the spirit ancestors, arose out of their central sleep from the earth.
- They created the natural world; they fixed the design of nature and the order of life into an enduring form. e.g. It is believed that the Spirits gave them their hunting tools and each tribe its land, their totems and their Dreaming.
- Every land feature in the environment has a story from the Dreaming attached to it. The original spirits also brought all living creatures.
E.g. The Murray River was created by an old woman dragging a stick as she walked to the ocean, which awoke a large snake. The snake then followed her and dug the riverbed. Then it rained and the river was filled. - Each spirit founded a line of descendants, comprising a natural species, and its corresponding human group, which are linked as a single totem of Dreaming.
- These Dreaming tracks are recreated in traditional songs and ceremonies. Creation stories convey this to explain why things are the way they are, as well as to emphasise the acceptable behaviour of humans.
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- outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: – sacred sites
- The Ancestors made sites to show the Indigenous people which places were to be sacred.
- They would then perform ritual ceremonies and customary songs near the sacred sites to please the Ancestral spirits and to keep themselves alive.
- Sacred sites serve as tangible manifestations of the Dreaming (all land is sacred to Aboriginal people; places where ancestral beings reside or places of ritual importance such as Uluru are particularly important however)
- Sacred sites hold deep spiritual significance within the Dreaming framework. They are believed to be infused with the presence of ancestral beings and spiritual power, serving as portals to the Dreaming realm and conduits for connecting the human with the spiritual world.
- Sacred sites often serve as ceremonial spaces where rituals and ceremonies are performed to honour the ancestors, celebrate cultural traditions, and maintain spiritual connections.
- The Dreaming presents custodial responsibilities upon Aboriginal communities for caring for and protecting sacred sites.
- Custodianship is passed down through kinship networks and cultural traditions, with elders and traditional custodians holding authority over the management of sacred sites.
- All ancestral spirits left behind trails of their lives, called Dreaming tracks, which are marked in the monuments of geography and tribal lands.
E.g. Along Dreaming tracks waterholes and mountains mark places where the ancestral beings camped and meet, for instance. |
- outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: - stories of the Dreaming
- The Dreaming stories serve as an accurate and valid oral history for Aboriginal people.
- Dreaming beliefs are transmitted to younger generations through a network of stories and ceremonies.
- Aboriginals are deeply connected to the Australian environment through the Dreaming stories.
- These stories encompass all aspects of Aboriginal lifestyle and law, including the creation of the land, animals, and people, providing multiple layers of meaning. E.g. The stories cover various aspects of life, including male and female roles, and sacred and public activities present in traditional society.
- Additionally, Dreaming stories impart knowledge about the physical characteristics of birds, animals, plants, and trees, as well as detailed maps and understanding of the country.
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- outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: – symbolism and art
- Aboriginal stories can be part of body painting, drawn on the sand, or painted on various surfaces. Mediums include songs, poetry, dance, and art. More specifically, Aboriginal art is an essential part of Aboriginal life.
- The artist is the custodian of that knowledge of the Dreaming in which they are painting. As such, the artist is the one with the creative spirit.
- All elements of the Dreaming are incorporated in traditional Aboriginal Art. Art conveys the intimate relationships between aspects of indigenous culture, and ancestral beings. E.g. This can include law, values, customs, ceremonies, and obligations of Aboriginal people.
- Art can be used for rituals or to identify the ownership of Dreaming and to strengthen kinship ties. Humans can become temporarily filled with the creative power of the Dreaming.
- In ritual ceremonies, sacred designs are reproduced as ground sculptures or sand paintings, and in concert with song and dance.
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- discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples
- Aboriginal people across Australia exhibit diversity in cultures, languages, kinship structures, and ways of life. They comprise numerous languages and/or tribal groups, contributing to this diversity.
- Specific plants and animals are associated with ancestor spirits, serving as totems for Aboriginal people, varying by region. These regional differences, such as in flora or fauna, land formations, etc, account for diversity in the dreaming. e.g. Tribes living on the coast may have stories on sharks, while in land tribes would not.
- Totems establish kinship with the respective spirit, fostering a connection with the land of that area.
- Ceremonies and rituals are integral for maintaining the presence of the Dreaming. This diverse cultural landscape provides individuals with a sense of identity. Example - Yugambeh: In Southeast Queensland, one of the totems for this region is the Wajin (platypus).
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- the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity
| - recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples
- The Dreaming impacts all aspects of life for Aboriginals, encompassing ethics, hunting practices, creation narratives, art, and more.
- Dreaming stories present a comprehensive worldview, providing guidance for daily life and cultural practices.
- Through practice, Aboriginal spirituality affirms the highest reality of the Dreaming, ensuring alignment between daily human life and spiritual beliefs.
- Totems play a crucial role in providing meaning and purpose, serving as reminders of the harmony of the universe and one's place within it.
- A broken relationship with the land can lead to a loss of spirituality, highlighting the interconnectedness between Aboriginal spirituality and the natural environment
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- investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity
- The Dreaming, the land, and the individual are inextricably linked within Aboriginal Spirituality.
- The Dreaming serves as the eternal link between Ancestral Spirits and Aboriginal humanity, explaining the creation of life and providing totemic connections to sacred sites.
- Land sustains Aboriginal lives in every aspect spiritually, physically, socially, and culturally. Land is the physical medium through which the dreaming is expressed, also housing ancestral spirits.
- Dreaming is central to the land, linking individuals to it and defining their rights and responsibilities regarding it.
- Dreaming influences kinship, providing a sense of identity. The land in which they originate from also provides them with a sense of identity.
e.g. The land is who they are, where they come from , their ancestor spirits, totemic relationships, etc. - Land and Dreaming are interdependent; people share the same spiritual essence as the land, highlighting their inseparable connection.
- Without the land, Dreaming would merely be stories lacking their deeper spiritual significance. There would be no meaning given to the lives of Indigenous peoples and their purpose (custodianship over the land) would be unfulfilled while life’s questions go unanswered.
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Note
Studied by 3 people