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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why Hindus act with compassion towards all living things.

      Key learning points

      1. Many Hindu stories help Hindus to answer big philosophical questions.
      2. Dharma is the true essence of any living thing.
      3. Many Hindus see dharma as to act with compassion for all living things.
      4. The story of Yudhishthira and the dog shows the dharmic choice is to act with love for all beings.

      Keywords

      • Dharma - the practice of compassion and kindness

      • Essence - the most important quality of a thing

      • Compassion - caring about others and wanting to help

      Common misconception

      Hindus think that dharma is about caring only for people.

      Dharma is about compassion for all living things, not just people.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage children to discuss why they think it's important to look after all living beings.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What sound do Hindus say was at the start of the universe?

      Ding
      Boom
      Correct answer: Aum

      Q2.
      How do many Hindus describe the Earth?

      Correct answer: as a mother
      as a mountain
      as a playground

      Q3.
      Why are Hindus and the Save the Soil organisation working to protect soil?

      Correct answer: too much land is being cleared for farming
      too many animals are digging it
      people are building playgrounds on it

      Q4.
      A is a wise and respected Hindu teacher.

      Correct Answer: guru, Guru

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Dharma means acting with kindness for living things.

      Correct Answer: all, All

      Q2.
      What does compassion mean?

      Correct answer: caring about others and wanting to help
      ignoring people’s problems
      only thinking about yourself

      Q3.
      The story of Yudhishthira shows that is the true way to act with dharma.

      Correct Answer: love, Love

      Q4.
      In what way does Yudhishthira show love, kindness and compassion?

      Yudhishthira left the dog behind to go to heaven.
      Yudhishthira ignored the dog and accepted the chariot.
      Correct answer: Yudhishthira refused to leave the dog and gave up heaven.

      To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Dharma: Yudhishthira and the dog, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...