The Ramayana Level 3/4

I can describe the main points of the story of the Ramayana.

Starter Task Task- What is happening in this picture? Where do you think this story is set? Explain your answer.

The Ramayana This story dates back to between BC. The Ramayana is one of the most important stories in Indian culture and has influenced Indian culture and arts for thousands of years. The story is often retold in different ways such as drama, dance and song.

Brahman Hindus believe that Brahman, their God has many different forms. The three main forms are Brahma (The Creator) Vishnu (The Preserver) Shiva (The Destroyer). Vishnu is said to have visited the earth 12 times in different forms. The Ramayana is the story of one of these visits to earth when Vishnu took the form of Rama, a Prince.

Task 1.Read the story of the Ramayana, as you are reading the story annotate it. Use the following as a guide. Main Events- Yellow Characters- Green Places- Pink Underline any parts you find confusing. Write down any questions you have as you go through the story.

Example When Rama’s father wanted to stand down from the throne and hand the reign over to his eldest son Rama, he was reminded of two promises he had made to his second wife. He had promised her that their son Barata would succeed as king and that Rama was to be sent into exile into the forest for fourteen years. To help his father to make this difficult decision, Rama gave up the throne and willingly left going into the forest with his wife Sinta and his half brother Laksmana. Sadly, stricken with grief, Rama’s father died.

Questions 1.Who are the main characters of the story? 2.Are there any parts of the story that you find confusing? 3.Do you think this is a true story? Explain your answer.

Why do you think this story has been retold for thousands of years?

I can explain the main themes in the Ramayana.

Starter Task Write down as many examples of Good versus Evil you can think of -Think about History, Films, Books, Television, News.

Discussion Where is the examples of Good vs. Evil in the story? What does this tells Hindus about god? How might Hindus reflect on this story in their everyday lives? Think About… Rama is one of the avatars of Vishnu. Vishnu is one of the main forms of Brahman, the Hindu God.

Task Create a Twitter Feed retelling the story of the Ramayana. You will need to design avatars for the main characters. You can use appropriate hashtags. Remember you can only use 149 characters.

Do you think only Hindus can learn from this story?

I can apply my knowledge of the Ramayana to the everyday lives of Hindus both in Scotland and Globally.

Diwali This festival is celebrated annually in either October or November. It marks the beginning of a New Year in Hinduism; as well as Jainism and Sikhism. It is the festival of lights - the lights symbolising the triumph of good over evil. It is a 5 day festival that involves fireworks, sweets, gifts and parties. During the festival the story of Rama and Sita is retold through songs, dance and drama.

Task In groups, Create a performance that retells the story of Rama and Sita that could be performed at a Diwali celebration. It can be a mime, a dance or a song. You must highlight the triumph of Good over Evil.

How can your community celebrate Diwali?

Lesson 4 - I can analyse the relationships between characters and the main events in the Ramayana.

Starter Task As well as the triumph of Good over Evil what other themes are there in the Ramayana?

Task Demonstrate your understanding of the characters of the story of the Ramayana and their relationships by creating a character map.

Alternative Endings Discuss how the story may have ended if the following things were changed. 1.Rama refused to go to the forest. 2.Rama never met Hanuman. 3.Rama never defeated Ravana.

I can evaluate Hindu beliefs about humankind through my knowledge of the Ramayana.

Starter Task Write a word cloud or a mind map about what you think Scottish culture is and what makes Scotland unique.

Messages of the Ramayana and Diwali Good always conquers Evil There should be Love and Loyalty in families. Hindus should show respect for all. Hindus should welcome everyone of all backgrounds. Celebrations of Light at New Year.