Year 7 - Religious education
Sanatana dharma
Dharma: how is this interpreted and put into action?
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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 will investigate how the concept of dharma is interpeted by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. They will examine the concept of the Hindu worldview as Sanatana Dharma and how this links to rta. From that they will explore Buddha and Sikh dharma noting differences.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the meaning of the Sanatana dharma and the way it is interpreted by Hindus.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- The 4 yogas are referring only to the physical form of yoga.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key 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).
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'ashrama'
a system of stages of life in Hindu Dharma.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The 4 yogas are referring only to the physical form of yoga. Correction: The 4 yogas refer to the paths that Hindus can follow to fulfil their dharma.
More Lessons In This Unit
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