Year 9 - Religious education
Dharma, Bhumi and the environment
Rebels: should we embrace or challenge authority?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils study three case studies of individuals who challenged authority. They will analyse the inspiration behind their actions and the historical impact of their choices. Pupils will reason the degree to which religious beliefs might cause someone to challenge authority.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why and how the concept of dharma and the figure of Bhumi may encourage some Hindus to care for the environment.
Key Notes
- The concept of Dharma and human responsibility can encourage Hindus to care for the environment.
- The figure of Bhumi as sacred mother earth can encourage Hindus to care for the environment.
- All living things on earth contain within them the atman as a spark of the divine.
- The principle of ahimsa means that many Hindus are vegetarian, and this can also benefit the environment.
- All living things should be treated with compassion according to Hindu teachings about human dharma.
Vocabulary To Learn
- ahimsa: the principle of non-violence towards any living thing
- Bhumi: the earth or earth goddess, representing the natural world and all the life it sustains
- dharma: the essence of things, the eternal laws that sustain the universe
- sacred: something that is considered holy, divine, or deserving of great respect and reverence
- vegetarian: someone who does not eat any meat, fish or poultry
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Ahimsa only refers to non-violence towards humans.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The concept of Dharma and human responsibility can encourage Hindus to care for the environment. The figure of Bhumi as sacred mother earth can encourage Hindus to care for the environment.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'ahimsa'
the principle of non-violence towards any living thing.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Ahimsa only refers to non-violence towards humans. Correction: Ahimsa refers to non-violence towards all living things, as all living things have value, worth and are interconnected.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 Religious education guide library.