Year 3 - Religious education
The Ramayana: deeper meanings
Festivals: How do ancient stories influence modern celebrations?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils investigate two festivals: Diwali and Christmas. They make links between the concept of dharma and the celebrations at Diwali. They investigate how Diwali is changing in recent times. In addition, they analyse how Christmas has changed in its meaning in the UK today.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the deeper meanings of the Ramayana.
Key Notes
- The Ramayana embodies the concept of dharma.
- Different characters in the story embody their different dharmas. For example, Sita embodies love and strength.
- A deeper meaning of the story of Ravana is that intelligence alone not always lead you on right path.
- A deeper meaning of the Ramayana is finding balance in life.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Ramayana: an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Rama and Sita
- Rama: a prince known for his bravery, kindness and devotion to duty
- Sita: the wife of Rama, a princess known for her beauty and devotion
- Ravana: the king of Lanka, who has ten heads and twenty arms
- dharma: acting with compassion for the good of humans and all living things
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The story of Rama and Sita is simply about light overcoming darkness.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The Ramayana embodies the concept of dharma. Different characters in the story embody their different dharmas. For example, Sita embodies love and strength.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Ramayana'
an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Rama and Sita.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The story of Rama and Sita is simply about light overcoming darkness. Correction: The Ramayana has many deeper meanings. At its heart is the concept of dharma, and many Hindus look to the text and its characters as role models and for guidance in life.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Religious education guide library.