L16_ch04-Ancient India (South Asia) (Edited Version- Text & footnotes removed)

Timeline: 2nd Millennium BCE - Present

Topic: Ancient India (South Asia) & China: Tenets of Hinduism
FQ: How could the great myths of South Asia’s Hinduism offer guidance to Hindus during
troubled times?

Main Idea: The Hindu faith is one of the oldest (or perhaps the oldest) organized faith in
history. The social structure that developed in the Indian subcontinent is intimately
intertwined with Hindu religious beliefs. The faith shows the marks of a culture that
draws from different groups. It has adapted to and adopted from the many peoples that
have traveled the busy routes traversing the mountain passes of Afghanistan and
Pakistan. It is a model of stability and a source of hope for those who seek another
chance to achieve eternal bliss.

PO: SWBAT...
● Describe the nature of the Mahabharata.
● Explain how this text may be similar or different from religious texts of faiths
already discussed in class.
● Offer an evaluation of the usefulness of a text like this for the complex world we
now live in.

Do Now: TBR
The Human Record. Volume 1, Fourth Edition
Read "Dharma: The Imperative of Caste Law", page 70 - 73.
On page 71 respond to questions 1 - 4 making sure to create 'complete' responses.

I. Canonical Texts

A. Mahabharata: One of the longest epic poems in human history. Literally, it

means "Great Tale of the Bharata Dynasty".
B. Bhagavad-Gita: A segment of the Mahabharata, it is a popular epic poem all by
itself. In this tale, a Kshatriya (Arjuna) and his charioteer (lord Krishna in disguise)
enter into a debate before a major battle. Arjuna is troubled because he is about to
fight an enemy that includes members of his family. The charioteer attempts to
explain to him where his duties lie.

Basic teaching argues that the enlightened person is disciplined (knows himself)
and can see all things in himself, and himself in all things (unity of life universe). He can
look beyond illusions (that which we perceive to be real and impactful that is neither and
hence it creates separateness) to what is real/ true => creates unity.
These canonical texts offer a way for the faithful to reach this 'enlightened' ideal.
As in the Mahabharata, the use of myths to 'teach' is in keeping with ancient traditions
prevalent throughout the world.

Activity
 ○ Discuss the Bhagavad-Gita's value as revealed by its protagonists- Arjuna and the
Charioteer
○ Define Incarnation and Avatar as it relates to the Bhagavad-Gita and Ramayana*
myths.**
*Click on the link to read a a brief description of the Ramayana.
**Avatar Derived from the Sanskrit word for 'incarnation'. In the Hindu faith, it refers to an embodiment (human form) of a divinity.
II. Summary Activity: Modern Challenges
Challenges are not new to any faith, regardless of their age. The 21st century has
produced its own brand of religious dilemmas for Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, &
Islam. These dilemmas transcend cultural boundaries.
● Spiritual Freedom vs. Social Order
● Importance of Beliefs vs. Importance of Ritual
● Cultural Diffusion vs. ‘Purity’ of the faith.

Curriculum Linkage (PDF file)

Unit One: Ancient World- Civilizations & Religions (4000 BCE - 500 CE)
Sections B1 a - e, E1 b
Materials/Sources: Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates.
● Mahabharata (incl. 'Bhagavad Gita')
● Perspectives on the Past
● Hindu Vision of Life- Lecture #1: By Prof. Dennis G. Dalton of Barnard College [Text: Presuppositions on Indian Philosophy
By Karl Potter.]
● Google Books excerpts. Dharma: The Imperative of Caste Law
Teacher Note: Here, as in any academic attempt to study beliefs and practices of peoples, the sources include scholarly work as well as philosophical/
religious texts. Presentation of any philosophical/ religious text is to facilitate study, acquire appreciation, and enliven discussion of the traditions that
produced them. In no form, content or intent, are the materials presented to ‘teach’ and/ or ‘proselytize’ any belief system. No particular denomination,
if applicable, is chosen over another. The basic tenets of the philosophy or faith as presented here are meant to transcend any deviations that currently
separate the denominations.