Goals for living (bet you can’t guess the next picture)

This work is about Hindu goals in life. Many Year 8s have heard of one Hindu scripture. The ‘Pleasure Chapters’ or ‘Kama Sutra’ is surprisingly well known. This work is about 4 goals for Hindu people, and the goals pupils set for themselves

Symbolism: The Four Arms of Lakshmi represent her willingness to help devotees in all directions, and stand for the blessings she bestows: the four ends of human life, dharma, wealth or success, pleasure and moksha 

CENSORED Ancient Hindu temples sometimes have statues of copulating gods and goddesses on them. We don’t usually see this on churches and chapels, Why? Is sexuality sacred in some way?

Four goals of life in Hindu communities Kama Pleasures of life Food, sexuality, sport, bodily enjoyment Artha Successes of life Working effectively, achieving, promotion, making money Dharma Doing your duties as a son or daughter, parent, employee Choosing right and good things Moksha Liberation, freeing the soul No more return to the cycle of rebirth, bliss

Worshipping at home with my family Jyoti is 14. “Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, and I think it is suitable for each and every person, so it is also called the ‘sanatan dharma’ (the eternal path). Luckily, my parents have brought me up with Hindu traditions and cultures. For me, worshipping at home with my family is very important. As a family we all respect God and are always worshipping with each other. I love to worship in the Mandir too, with the community I feel closer to God. All the festivals take me closer to family and friends, and encourage me to worship God and to realize the meaning of life. Throughout my life I will intend to respect those traditions and pass them on to others, for example to my own children. As life will take me on to other stages, I am ready to learn and move closer to God. For me, being a Hindu means being a good human being. Hinduism is very vast, so I have a lot to learn – and to achieve. The main goal is to achieve moksha, freedom from the cycle of life and rebirth, so a Hindu should do their duty and always be aiming for liberation. Personally, I think being harmless matters a lot in my life. Respecting other lives and souls is very important to me. Being compassionate can gain a lot of good karma, therefore it will take me closer to god. As the divine energy, Brahman, exists, it is the reason why we are here. For me, reaching that eternal power is the most important goal.” Worshipping at home with my family Closer to my family and friends To learn and move closer to God Freedom from the cycle of rebirth

Rajiv Chabria is 21 “The goal in Hinduism is to live life to the full and do what you enjoy. This means doing things that we desire which will make us happy - whether it is sport, dance, arts. As long as we are constantly aware that this happiness generates from within us, rather than from the sport, new phone, art then we are growing spiritually. Currently I am studying Economics in a London University. I have had a passion for dance for the last eight years. As well as this, I am enthusiastic about event organizing. I also have an interest in business which I hope to pursue. In 5 years from now, I see myself working within the consulting industry, utilizing business skills which I have learnt. Hindu living says we should do what makes us happy in life, as happiness is our essential nature. In 10 years, I plan on having my own business, being married and settled down. I hope to have my own house, family and steady career. Hindu living insists to fulfill your legitimate desires. In 15 years, I plan on retiring and, I hope, being rich. I plan to achieve all my other goals in life and look for a deeper understanding of true religion at this stage. Hindu living has taught me that we should be full of life. Underlying everything, we are all essentially one, so respect for others is also a concept I naturally employ. The 9 nights of Navaratri, involves celebrating through dancing. It involves meeting friends, family and enjoying the celebration of the Hindu festival (lots of fun!). I’m inspired by those in all religions who seem to have succeeded in gaining control over their own minds. Examples include Buddha, Jesus, and Swami Vivekananda.

What are my goals in life? Pleasures I hope to experience Successes I aim to achieve Duties that it matters to me to fulfil My liberation: for me to be free means...

The assessment task Choose two of these questions: A. Explain the four goals of Hindu life. Which ones do you think are most important? B. What have you learned about the lives and ambitions of young Hindus in Britain today? C. Explain your own top four goals in life. What are you doing to make these goals happen? D. What do you want to achieve in life? Write about pleasures, successes, duties and freedom. Answer your questions in less than 150 words each Compare your answers with another pupils Redraft and improve your answers in the light of their comments.

Goals for life in Hindu understanding Pupils are enabled to reflect on their own goals more thoughtfully by using the Hindu material. Authentic young British Hindu voices stimulate the learning Hindu paths to happiness, ancient and plural, show surprising relevance and connection to 21st century positive psychology Compare A4H with Hindu goals: what do you observe? Evaluate.