Understanding Brahman

Lesson Overview

Subject: Religious Education
Age Group: GCSE Students (14-16 years)
Curriculum Area: AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Component 2B: Thematic Studies – The nature of Brahman as per Hindu scriptures
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 28 students

Learning Objectives

• Identify the fundamental concept of Brahman in Hinduism.
• Explain Brahman's nature as spirit, ultimate reality, and absolute truth.
• Analyse how the characteristics of Brahman are portrayed in Hindu scriptures, focusing on selected verses from the Katha Upanishad 2.2.6–8.
• Evaluate the significance of the characteristics of Brahman in Hindu beliefs and practices.

Required Materials

• Copies of Katha Upanishad 2.2.6–8 verses
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Handouts with key concepts and questions
• Pens and notebooks for students
• Hindu symbolism imagery

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Settling
   Welcome students and settle the class. Present the lesson's objectives and connect them with previous knowledge of Hindu beliefs.

2. Starter Activity: Mindfulness Moment
   Begin with a short mindfulness exercise - a focus on breath and awareness of the present moment, reflecting on the Hindu idea of being part of a greater reality. This will set the tone for exploring spiritual concepts.

Main Teaching (25 minutes)

1. Presentation: The Nature of Brahman (10 minutes)

   • Definition: Briefly define Brahman as understood in Hinduism: the ultimate reality, spirit, and absolute truth.
   • Attributes: Explain common characteristics such as omnipresence, eternality, and unity among all things.
   • Visual Aid: Show imagery of Hindu symbols like Om to spark visual understanding.

2. Scripture Exploration (15 minutes)

   • Katha Upanishad 2.2.6–8: Provide a brief context of the Upanishads' role in Hindu philosophy.
   • Close Reading: Distribute excerpts of Katha Upanishad 2.2.6–8.
   • Group Discussion: Split the class into small groups of 4. Each group reads the verses, identifies descriptions of Brahman, and discusses the meaning behind the words.
   • Debrief: Group representatives share insights with the class, underlining key interpretations.

Activity (15 minutes)

1. Creative Task: Conceptual Mapping
   • In pairs, students create a mind map on A3 paper, using different colours to represent different aspects of Brahman.
   • Integrate words, symbols, and short verses to illustrate the interconnectedness and attributes of Brahman.
   • Encourage students to contemplate how these attributes affect believers' lives and the broader Hindu worldview.

Plenary (10 minutes)

1. Q&A and Reflection

   • Lead a question-and-answer session to clarify any doubts.
   • Reflective Dialogue: Ask students to write a short personal reflection on what the nature of Brahman means to them as individuals.

2. Exit Ticket

   • Each student writes a brief response to the prompt: "One new thing I learned about Brahman today is…" as a formative assessment tool.

Homework

• Read a short article on how Brahman’s concepts can influence Hindu ethical practices.
• Prepare a 100-word paragraph summarising their understanding.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through participation in discussions and the quality of mind maps.
• Written reflections and exit tickets provide insights into individual understanding.

Differentiation Strategies

• For the Visual Learners: Include visual symbols and imagery.
• For the EAL Students: Provide translations or simplified English versions of scriptures.
• For Advanced Students: Encourage deeper analysis with additional questions during discussions.

By engaging cognitively and creatively, this lesson aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Brahman's profound nature in Hinduism.