What do each of the pictures represent? Hindu Funeral Ceremonies

c) Describe a Hindu funeral service. (3 marks) Working in you groups, put the sentences in the correct order to answer the question

c) Describe a Hindu funeral service. (3 marks) 1.Due to the complexity of the Hindu faith, Hindu rites vary around the world. However, most commonly they follow this procedure. 2.The body is washed and wrapped in a large white cloth. 3.If the deceased is male, it is common for their heads to be shaven. 4.Lit candles will be placed by the head of the deceased and a garland of flowers placed on the body. 5.Next, there is a procession to the cremation ground led by the eldest son. 6.The body is placed on a funeral pyre and the son or male relative sprinkles water on the floor as he circles the pyre three times. 7.The water jar is smashed onto the floor near the deceased’s head. This is symbolic of the atman being released from the body and transmigrating. 8.Scripture readings and prayers take place. 9.Sweet smelling spices are added to the cremation to burn. 10.It is common for the ashes to be scattered into water.

Okay, so now we know what the funeral rites are, how do these rites reflect belief? Task: Match up the belief with the funeral rite

How do Funeral Rites Reflect Belief? BeliefFuneral Rite The soul transmigratesa. The eldest son or male relative smashes a jar of water near the deceased’s head b. The skull is broken to help let the atman leave the body c. The burning of the body is symbolic of the atman moving on God will wash away bad karmaBathing in holy water Brahman will save the atman from samsara Many cremations take place by rivers, especially by the River Ganges where the God Shiva used to live Possible pollution of deathThe last sacrifice ceremony controls the pollution of death and reintroduces the bereaved family into ‘normal’ life Thanking God for the life of the deceased Offerings of milk and rice are given The eldest son takes on the role of head of the family from his father The eldest son leads many parts of the funeral including those that are connected with the releasing of the atman

d) How do Hindu funeral rites reflect beliefs about the atman?(6 marks) Demonstrate your understanding of Hindu funeral rites Choose 3 or 4 parts of the Hindu funeral that you know about, and describe what happens, and then explain how the rites reflect beliefs about the afterlife For Example, the skull is broken to reflect beliefs in transmigration of the atman

Moral Right and wrong Good v Bad God Heaven & hell Spiritual Social Hobbies Lifestyle Other people Job beliefs relationships feelings Personal Q D) Effects of beliefs (6 marks)

‘ This life is more important than the next ’ FORAGAINST Write down at least two points for and against in your exercise books Be prepared to feedback to the class 5 Minutes

Okay, we now have a list of points for against the following statement: ‘ This life is more important than the next ’ You now need to think of some evidence for the different points Be prepared to feedback to the class 7 Minutes

Think and Write down your points Why do you think that Hindus readily accept death? How does this affect the way that they treat it? Share your ideas with your group Why do you think that Hindus readily accept death? How does this affect the way that they treat it? And Finally

Home Learning ‘ This life is more important than the next ’ Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Hinduism in your answer. Create your own revision cards on the topic of The End of Life. Include: Difference between the body and the soul Samsara, karma and rebirth Rebirth and moral behaviour Hindu funeral rites