Dharma and pluralism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the meaning of dharma and the different way it is interpreted by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.
Key learning points
- Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh worldviews are often referred to collectively as 'dharmic' religions.
- Dharma is interpreted differently between the three religions.
- Hinduism may be referred to as the 'Hindu Dharma' or 'Sanatana Dharma' to move away from a colonial view.
- Pluralism is a way of understanding the views of the divine.
Keywords
Hindu dharma - the true essence of all living things
Buddhist dhamma - the teachings of the Buddha
Sikh dharma - living with a good moral code and honouring God
Pluralism - the view that there are many ways to experience the divine
Common misconception
Dharma means the same thing across the dharmic religions.
The interpretation of dharma differs amongst Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.
Teacher tip
In this lesson we explain how the term Hinduism may not be the most authentic term to describe Hindu worldviews and make a link to the history of colonial rule.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The Hindu religion originated in which country?
Q2.Karma is a key concept in the dharmic religions. What does it refer to?
Q3.Guru Nanak was the founder of which dharmic worldview?
Q4.Who are the main characters in the Hindu Ramayana story?
Q5.Diwali is most likely to be celebrated by the followers of which religions?
Q6.According to Buddhism, which religion was Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) born into?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the dharmic religions?
Q2.What does the Hindu dharma refer to?
Q3.What does the Buddhist dharma refer to?
Q4.What does the Sikh Dharma refer to?
Q5.Why might the term 'Hinduism' be rejected by Hindus?
Q6.Hindu pluralism can refer to ...
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Dharma and pluralism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Dharma and pluralism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Dharma: how is this interpreted and put into action? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.