3 Nirguna and Saguna Brahman. The Trimurti: the nature and roles of the three elements of the Trimurti and their relationship with Brahman. The importance of the Trimurti in Hinduism. Introduction: display the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3:9:1. This is a dialogue in the complexity of the divine is highlighted – ask students their interpretation. What does it reveal about the nature of God in Hinduism? Explain to students that Hinduism has one God, Brahman, Brahman’s nature is explored/expressed through the plurality of gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Explain how Hindus view Brahman in different ways – Nirguna and Saguna. Define these terms. One way to explain Nirguna is through the use of a salt water analogy – mix salt into water and ask for a volunteer to drink some. Get the volunteer to explain what they taste and how this might link to an understanding of Brahman Nirguna. This is taken from a Hindu text: Chandogya Upanishad 1.13. Discuss what this means about nature of Brahman. Give students a selection of quotations from Hindu texts – see if they can identify if Brahman is being discussed as Nirguna or Saguna. Saguna Brahman – Brahman with form, will be explored when students study avatars and Trimurti. Mind map ideas about why viewing Brahman as Nirguna might be important. What does Kena Upanishad 1.3-8 reveal about Brahman’s nature? Split students into groups of three. Assign each student one member of the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva. Students to research their features, role and consorts. Prepare a poster. Students then group with people who have same Trimurti member, check knowledge and information. Return to groups of three, teach each other and make posters for all three Trimurti members. Jones D, Hinduism for AS Students, chapter 1, 2007 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2006 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2017 Voiels, Hinduism: A New Approach, chapter 5, 1998 Voiels, Hinduism: A New Approach, chapter 5, 2005 Voiels, Hinduism: A New Approach, chapter 2, 1998 Voiels, Hinduism: A New Approach, chapter 2, 2005 Jones D, Hinduism for AS Students, chapter 2, 2007
Prepare a handout on the importance of the Trimurti, read through with pupils. Why is viewing Brahman with form (Saguna) important? Hold class debate, ‘my God is better than yours’ – debate and discuss who is most significant in the Trimurti? 3/4 The Trimurti: the concept of avatar with particular reference to Krishna and Rama. The importance of avatars in Hinduism. Explain meaning/definition of an avatar – a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher. Give background information to the 10 avatars of Vishnu – explain that Krishna and Rama are two of the most significant. Explore stories about both avatars; examine their lives and legacy for contemporary Hinduism. Why might a bodily God be important for Hindus? Through this discussion, note some reasons to explain the importance of avatars eg represent and breakdown Brahman, protect people, passed on messages, fight against evil. Extension: although not on the specification, the festival of Diwali/Divali and/or Holi could be explored to show the significance of Rama and/or Krishna. Prepare PowerPoint with images and clips of stories and different festival celebrations. ISKCON movement could be explored to highlight the significance of Krishna. Jacobs, Hinduism Today, 2010 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2006 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2017
5 Samsara Prepare PowerPoint/handout with definitions of Samsara and beliefs about reincarnation. Alternatively, give students access to internet/books and allow them to research topic. Feed back at end. Good conduct and key moral principles Week Learning activities Resources 5 Mind map what is meant by yoga – teacher explanation that in Hinduism yoga means ‘path to God’ and there are four types: karma, bhakti, jnana and raja. Review definition of – discuss impact on a Hindu’s life – how do students think this will lead Hindus to be moral. Research textual basis for karma yoga eg Gita Chapter 3. Explore yoga – the performing of good deeds with an attitude of selflessness. What actions might this take? Research Hindu projects which highlight the expression of karma yoga. Rodrigues cites Gandhi as a case-study example. Class debate: is an action ever selfless? Explore meaning of Sanatana dharma: eternal laws and fundamental absolute moral principles. Ahimsa (non-violence); Satya (truth); Asetya (not stealing); Sauca (purity) – explore how these concepts may impact a Hindu’s life today. Link back/review work on Purusha Sukta for varnadharma – dharma concerned with position in society/class. Overview and discussion of karma yoga: Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2006 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2017 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2006 Rodrigues, Introducing Hinduism, 2017
7 Bhakti Yoga: the key aspects of puja. The changing role of ashrams. Introduce concept of puja – one form of Hindu worship. Show students clip/series of images of puja. Complete a visual hexagon task that outlines and explains the key aspects and their symbolism. Alternatively, a series of pictures placed in the correct order and labelled. Define ashram: spiritual retreat centres in Hinduism. Independent research: students to produce fact file on two ashrams stated in specification: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Kerala, and Skanda Vale Ashram UK. Basic information: name, founder, date, location, services, philosophy. Compare and contrast the two ashrams – what is different, what is the same etc. Visit Skanda Vale Ashram UK if possible. Fuller, The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in Hinduism, chapter 3, 1992 Srinivasan, Hinduism for Dummies, 2011 – very good for home puja