Sanatana dharma
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the meaning of the Sanatana dharma and the way it is interpreted by Hindus.
Key learning points
- The Sanatana dharma is the eternal set of duties for Hindus that enable living in harmony with the world.
- Many Hindus describe how their dharma may vary at life stages (ashramas).
- The Mahabarata is a Hindu epic poem that reflects on dharma.
- Dharma may be interpreted flexibly by individuals to make ethical decisions.
Keywords
Ashrama - a system of stages of life in Hindu Dharma
Sanatana dharma - eternal law or truth
Mabharata - a Hindu epic poem that reflects on the nature of dharma
Common misconception
The 4 yogas are referring only to the physical form of yoga.
The 4 yogas refer to the paths that Hindus can follow to fulfil their dharma.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which religion is not part of the three dharmic faiths?
Q2.What is the Hindu interpretation of dharma?
Q3.The word 'Hindu' originates from the people living near which river?
Q4.Which term might be used to replace the word 'Hinduism'?
Q5.Which concepts link the dharmic religions?
Q6.Select the ways in which a Hindu may follow their dharma.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.According to Hindus, what does Sanatana Dharma refer to?
Q2.Which name best refers to God in Hindu Dharma?
Q3.How many ashramas are there?
Q4.Match the four stages in a Hindu's life to the correct ashramas.
being a student and learning
being parent and householder
retirement and time to focus on a spiritual life
giving up worldly goods and seeking a spiritual purpose
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Sanatana dharma, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Sanatana dharma, 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.