Lesson video

Hi, my name's Mrs. Charalambous, and welcome to today's lesson.

I've got a really great lesson planned for today, so I hope that you are ready.

Today's lesson is Ramayana: deeper meanings from the unit Festivals: how do ancient stories influence modern celebrations? Let's begin.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to explain the deeper meanings of the Ramayana.

Let's practise our key words with my turn, your turn.

Ramayana.

Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic that tells a story of Rama and Sita.

Rama.

Rama, a prince known for his bravery, kindness, and devotion to duty.

Sita.

Sita, the wife of Rama, a princess known for her beauty and devotion.

Ravana.

Ravana, the king of Lanka, who has 10 heads and 20 arms. Dharma.

Dharma, acting with compassion for the good of humans and all living things.

Our lesson outline looks like this today.

Let's start with cycle one: What does dharma mean to Hindus? Aisha explains what we mean by theology in religious education.

Theologians are interested in stories, texts, and traditions.

We can better understand people's worldviews by examining what the deeper meaning of these stories, texts, and traditions are.

We can also look at the difference they make to people today.

In this lesson, we will be using the tools of theology to better understand different Hindu worldviews about the Ramayana.

The word "dharma" is really important to Hindus.

Dharma is acting with compassion, means love, in all you do.

It means doing what is right.

This is Het.

Hi, Het! Het is a British Hindu.

He explains what dharma means to him.

"For me, my dharma as a child is to listen to my parents, be kind to my friends, and always try my best at school.

The Ramayana teaches me about dharma through its characters." Let's test our understanding so far with true or false.

You can do this for true and this for false, if you like.

Dharma means doing whatever you want, even if it is unfair.

True or false? Take a moment to think before I reveal the answer to you.

That's right.

It's false.

Why? Would you like to share why with me? Dharma means doing the right thing.

It is trying to make the choice that helps you on the path to compassion.

Remember, compassion means love.

Well done.

Let's carry on.

The Ramayana is an epic story that tells many stories.

Here is one of them.

Rama, a brave prince, was sent to the forest for 14 years by his stepmother.

His wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, joined him, living simply but happily.

And there they are on their way to the forest.

And Rama is the one with blue skin, which symbolises to me that he's special.

One day, Ravana, the king of Lanka, heard about Sita and wanted her for himself.

He travelled to the forest and tricked Sita and captured her.

He took her away in his flying chariot while Rama and Lakshman were gone.

And if you notice, Ravana also has blue skin, just like Rama.

Rama and Lakshman set out to rescue Sita.

With the help of Hanuman and an army, they built a bridge to Lanka.

A great battle followed, and Rama defeated Ravana with a powerful arrow.

And Lanka today is what we know as Sri Lanka.

When Rama and Sita returned home to Ayodhya, the people celebrated with lights and joy.

Rama and Sita ruled the land well for the rest of their lives.

Let's share our understanding so far.

What do people celebrate during Diwali in connection to the Ramayana? A, the day Rama and Sita got married; B, the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya; C, the moment Sita was taken to Lanka; or D, when Rama and Lakshman built their hut in the forest? Hmm.

Take a moment to think about this tricky question.

That's right.

It's B, the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya.

The deeper meaning of the Ramayana is dharma.

Dharma is different for everyone.

Different characters in the story show different ways you can follow your dharma.

In this story, Rama follows his dharma by always doing what is right.

Even when he was sent to the forest unfairly, he obeyed his father.

He shows bravery, kindness, and wisdom.

These are all qualities of a great ruler.

In this story, Sita shows her dharma by being loyal and strong.

She made the choice to go into the forest with Rama.

Even when she was taken to Lanka, she stayed true to Rama and never gave up hope.

In this story, Lakshman's dharma is to support and protect his brother.

He chooses to go into the forest with Rama, showing love and loyalty.

It's time for Task A.

Izzy and Lucas are thinking about the most important lesson the Ramayana teaches about dharma.

Izzy says, "The Ramayana teaches that dharma means doing what is right.

Rama showed dharma by always being kind and fair, even when life was difficult." Luca says, "The Ramayana teaches that dharma is different for everyone.

Rama had to be a good leader, Sita had to be loyal, and Lakshman had to protect his family." Who do you think has the best answer and why? Pause the video here so you can reflect on their discussion.

When you're ready, press play for some feedback.

Task A feedback time.

Here are some examples of how you may have answered.

Izzy is right because the Ramayana shows that Dharma means doing what is right.

Rama followed his dharma by obeying his father and being a brave, kind leader.

Or you may have said something similar to this: Lucas is right because the Ramayana shows that everyone has their own dharma.

Rama, Sita, and Lakshman each had different duties, but all followed dharma in their own way.

If you'd like to share what you have written, pause the video here so I can hear properly.

Great job.

Let's carry on.

Cycle two: What do Hindus learn from the Ramayana today? The Ramayana is not just a battle of good versus bad.

The story helps Hindus understand how to live a good life according to Dharma.

Different Hindus will identify with different characters and learn lessons from them.

Hmm.

I wonder who you learn from in this story.

Het explains what he learns from the Ramayana.

He says, "The Ramayana shows the importance of loyalty and support.

Lakshman stands by Rama, no matter what.

It teaches me to always be there for my family and friends, even when times are tough, like when a friend is going through a difficult time or when someone in my family is sick." This is Kavita, a British Hindu.

Hi, Kavita! She explains what she learns from the Ramayana.

She says, "For me, Sita's story in the Ramayana teaches me about being strong and having courage.

The story helps me remember to stay brave and keep going, no matter what the challenges I face.

For example, when I have to do something difficult at school, like a tough test or a project, I try to stay calm and do my best, just like Sita." Let's check of understanding so far.

Which two statements best show how the Ramayana teaches about dharma? A, Lakshman teaches that being loyal and supportive is important.

B, Sita teaches that courage and staying true to what is right matter.

C, the story teaches about battles.

Hmm.

Take a moment there to think about the answer before I reveal it to you.

That's right.

It's A and B.

Lakshman teaches that being loyal and supportive is important, and Sita to teaches that courage and staying true to what is right matters.

Let's carry on.

Ravana is often seen as the villain in the Ramayana because of his bad choices, but he was also very intelligent.

Ravana's 10 heads represent his great knowledge.

However, he used his intelligence to act selfishly and cruelly.

The Ramayana teaches that we must live in balance.

Using knowledge to do good and help others is more important than just being clever.

True or false? Ravana was not intelligent because he made bad choices.

True or false? Hmm.

Have a moment to think before I reveal the answer.

That's right.

It's false.

Why? Do you like to share why with me? Ravana was intelligent, but he used his knowledge selfishly, leading to his downfall.

Let's carry on.

This is Dhanu.

Hi, Dhanu! Dhanu, a British Hindu, explains what she learns from the Ramayana.

She says, "The Ramayana teaches me to be kind and brave, even when life is tough.

Ravana shows me that even clever people can make mistakes if they don't make the right choices." How can Ravana's mistakes help Hindus make better choices in their own lives? Hmm.

Take a moment there to think about your answer.

Good point.

I think Ravana's mistakes teach Hindus that intelligence alone isn't enough.

It must be used wisely and for good.

His downfall shows the importance of making kind and fair choices.

I think, Hindus can learn to think carefully before acting, avoid selfishness and treat others with respect to live a better life.

Jacob is thinking about Ravana.

He says, "I think the idea of balance is important.

Ravana had intelligence, but it made him selfish.

Sometimes I see what we humans take a lot from the planet, but we don't give back to help it.

We need balance in everything." What do you think about what Jacob is saying about the idea of balance? Is it important to you? Take a moment here and share some of your answers with me.

Why do you have this view? I agree with Jacob.

I think balance is important.

It helps everything work well together.

If we only take and never give, things can go wrong, just like Ravana.

I have this view because I see how small actions, like recycling or helping others, make a big difference.

If everyone thinks about balance, the world can be fairer and kinder for everyone.

Task B.

Laura is thinking about the Ramayana.

"I think the main lesson that the Ramayana teaches Hindus is that it is just about good defeating evil." Do you agree with Laura? Use examples from Kavita, Het and Dhanu's reflections to explain your thoughts.

Pause the video here, and when you are ready, press play for some feedback.

Task B, feedback time.

"I think the main lesson the Ramayana teaches Hindus is that it's just about good defeating evil." Do you agree with Laura? Here is what you might have written.

I don't agree with Laura because the Ramayana teaches about more than just good defeating evil.

Kavita learns to be strong, like when she stays calm in a tough test.

Het sees the importance of loyalty, like supporting a friend who is sad.

Dhanu learns that even clever people can make mistakes, so she tries to make good choices.

The reflections show the Ramayana teaches life lessons, not just about battles.

If you'd like to share your ideas with me, pause the video here.

Well done for today's learning.

Let's summarise today's lesson, The Ramayana: deeper meanings, together.

The Ramayana embodies the concept of dharma.

Different characters in the story embody their different dharmas.

A deeper meaning of the story of Ravana is that intelligence alone not always leads you on the right path.

A deeper meaning of the Ramayana is finding balance in life.

Well done for today's learning and I hope to see you soon.

Bye for now.