1. S1 RMPS Introduction to Hinduism

2. What is the purpose of Life ? How should I live my Life ?

3. Learning Intentions Discuss your ideas on the purpose of life
Collect some facts on Hinduism
Copy the Hindu diagram – The Purpose of Life
Examine Hindu ideas of re- incarnation and the law of karma
View video and decide whether it is good evidence or not for the belief in re- incarnation

4. We have seen that humans are faced with ultimate questions which can be difficult to answer. In this unit , we are going to be concerned with how some religions answer the ultimate question –
What is the purpose of life ?
Discuss with your neighbour / group what you think the point of life is .
How you answer this question has an impact on how you live your life . We will look at how Hinduism , Sikhism and Islam answer this and how this affects the lives of the people who follow this religion .

5. Facts about Hinduism
Before we find out what Hinduism has to say about the purpose of life , you are going to find out some facts about this religion . You should read p. 3 in the Hinduism Pupil Workbooks and then answer the questions on p.4

6. What is the purpose of life ?
Hinduism
What is the purpose of life ?
Ultimate Question
Sanatan Dharma – eternal truth
Atman – the soul
Hinduism’s answer
To be released from the cycle of samsara
Moksha – Union with God – Brahman – Nirvana
How ? Dharma – duty or Holy Law : Love and devotion (e.g.parenthood )Self control (e.g. yoga and meditation )Working unselfishly for others

7. Re- Incarnation
Hindus believe that when you die , your soul (atman ) is reborn into another body . This is known as the transmigration of souls or reincarnation. That means your atman moves from one body to another. This is called the wheel of life or samsara .
Discuss :
What do you think of the Hindu idea ?
What do you think happens when you die ?
The kind of life you currently live will determine your next life . This is known as the law of karma . Law of cause and effect
What do you think of the idea –
what goes around ,comes around ?
Discuss and write down your ideas

8. You are now going to view a video on re – incarnation and the idea of past lives . You will take notes on it . At the end you will answer the following question for homework :
Was this video good evidence for the idea of past lives or not ? Give reasons for your answer