Inspiring RE: Hindus

This book focuses on some of the things that
are important to more than 800,000 Hindus in
Britain today. Many Hindus use the term ‘Sanatan
Dharma’ (‘eternal way’), to describe something
of the all-encompassing nature of living a Hindu
way of life. Hinduism is probably the oldest world
religion, with its roots in the Indus Valley civilisation.
Diversity plays a major part within Hinduism.
Therefore, beliefs and practices vary according to
the believer’s geographical links, cultural traditions,
philosophy and foci for devotion.

We open with ‘Ready Steady RE’, offering starter
ideas on a variety of subjects, ranging from Hindu
beliefs about a supreme being to festivals and
charity. It includes a signpost to other units in our
publications that might be of use. The units in this
book begin with concrete learning on Aum or Om,
the first sound of the universe according to Hindus.
Next we look at rita, the concept of the natural
order of everything in the universe. Hindus need
to work out their dharma, religious duty, within
this natural order. The ideas of dharma and rita
are explored through story, a series of cogs and
a look at environmental choices. One of our everpopular big pictures on worship at a home shrine
and at a business shrine allows pupils to explore
how, why and where Hindus worship. The story
of Rama and Sita is often told in primary schools,
but this unit looks at the multiple meanings of the
epic tale and explores it from the point of view of
different characters in the story, which features in
two key Hindu festivals: Navratri and Diwali. Next,
our oldest pupils explore Hindu ideas on the cycle
of life and the purposes of life. The book ends with a
progression grid on learning about Hindus.

Please note that members can now download a
digital copy of each unit, allowing you to save
it in year-group or module files on your school’s
internal electronic storage system. On the NATRE
website you can now access many more resources
from earlier curriculum publications using your
membership log-in. Do let us know which of these
activities you use in your school, as we love to see
examples of pupil work