Religion in the News

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mother-teresa-sainthood_5673cd59e4b0b958f6563110

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sikh-solider-beard_566ed513e4b011b83a6bcb2b?utm_hp_ref=religion&ir=Religion&section=religion

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/arabic-calligraphy-shuts-schools_56737382e4b06fa6887cdc1f

Buddhism Test - Resources

Vocabulary List 

“There is no fire like passion,
No grip like hate,
No net like delusion,
No river like craving.”
Dhammapada 251


“Long is night for the wakeful;
Long is a league for the weary.
Long is samsara for fools
Who do not know the true Dhamma.”
Dhammapada 60


“All beings tremble at violence
All are afraid of death.
Seeing their likeness to yourself
You should neither kill, nor cause others to kill.”
Dhammapada 129


Questions:

Difference between solution and how to get there?

• The Solution (Where are we Going?) 
• what are we striving for? What is our destiny based on our understanding of the human condition?
• is it a group journey? is it an individual journey? What is “I”? 
• In order be “be one of those” you got to do this
• what the heck am I supposed to be doing in this world to make me worthy to be in some relationship to God?
• Goal of the journey

• How to Get There?

• the “to do” list 
• how do we fix problem we encountered in the first question? (what is the human condition)
• the method 
• if this (#2 the solution) is going to happen to me when I die, what do I need to do to get there

Rituals needed to know? As stated previously, please consult the peer presentations, with a focus on theme 1.

I saw some questions on "more info on...." please consult the Power Points that I posted concerning each theme.

Middle Way/Eightfold Path...same thing?

The Middle Path is the Buddha's treatment for the problem of suffering in all of our lives. In the time he spent learning about the cause and nature of suffering he learnt also about its cure and set out to teach it. Buddhists describe the teachings as a formula which is described in simple steps and includes both physical and mental treatment for ridding a person of suffering. Like all Buddhist teachings, this formula, which is called the Noble Eightfold Path, can only work if a person chooses to apply it to their lives, and takes full responsibility for following the steps. (buddhanet.net)

Buddhism Paper 2 Questions

Video 1

Video 2

Buddhism In-Depth Videos

Presentation 1

Presentation 2 - Text   Presentation 2 - Visuals

Presentation 3

Presentation 4 (AUGGIE!!!says video is private - need to change settings)

Presentation 5

Presentation 6

Presentation 7


Max?

Pasca - it says I need to request access.

To what extent does Buddhism teach non-violence?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/opinion/sri-lankas-violent-buddhists.html?_r=0

https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/full-text-of-the-banned-time-story-the-face-of-buddhist-terror/

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/dp10.htm

Zen Koans (for fun)

Zen Koans

A Rugrats Hanukkah

Episode

Wikipedia Article (about episode)

Theme 5: Ethics and Moral Conduct

PowerPoint

Dalai Lama Ethics Document


Homework:
   1.  Read the pgs. 37-38 from the Dalai Lama Ethics document - summarize his stance on 4 major ethical issues of society (education, the media, natural environment, politics and economics). How does this philosphy fit with what you already know about Buddhism? Be specific.

  2. Read pgs. 40-42. Answer Discussion Questions.

Discovering Buddhism Videos

Link

Theme 4: Religious Experience

Theme 4: Religious Experience PowerPoint


Awakening Stories of Buddhist Women

Expectations for Photo Essay?
1. I think that it would be beneficial to the essay for you to introduce your understanding of and involvement with the concept, "religious experience".  The "questions to consider" and the categories that define a religious experience would serve as a great asset in your introduction.
2. The last slide of the Power Point (with the Venn diagram) has the following prompt, "Discuss the experience of meditation in Buddhism". In your photo essay (think "body paragraphs") you would use the 2 Awakening Stories to develop a response.
3. Make sure that you use both your knowledge of gained from the Power Point AND the sources to aid in your evaluation and reflection. Once again,  this means conclusions/opinions/thoughts you have formed based on the information researched. Make sure that you have used appropriate terminology/vocabulary!
4. Does the story map have to be included in the photo essay? No, however, I think this would definitely help you in the "planning" portion of your presentation!

Paper 2 Example Questions and Commentary - Coming Soon!

Check back here for some sample Paper 2 (and Paper 1 ) Questions on Buddhism.

Just some links .......

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article44923950.html   - Mandalas in Raleigh

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zsd8d2p  - 4 Noble Truths

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zqrx34j   - Why do Buddhists Meditate??

http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/zg8c9j6 - Life of the Buddha

Correction - email address

well, this is embarrassing.

My email address for the Feynman Technique assignment was incorrect.

Email: dbeller2@wcpss.net

Photo Essay Presentations, Test on Buddhism

Photo Essays Due Date: Saturday, December 12th by noon.

• links to the online presentation (using youtube I would imagine) should be emailed to Mr. Beller. I am requesting these be sent on Saturday, so your peers will have time to watch and digest the information. 

Test on Buddhism: Thursday, December 17th (I believe this is a "A" day.) More to come on the format of test. 

Feynman Technique: Themes 1-3, Buddhism

Using the Feynman Technique, students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following themes as they relate to Buddhism.

1. Rituals 
2. Sacred Texts 
3. Doctrines and Beliefs

Students are expected to explain their respective topics within the theme as if they were teaching it to someone. I would expect the appropriate use of language, interpretative commentary, and evidence that not only does the student know the material, but they also understand why ___________is important to the Buddhist as well. It would not hurt to try to demonstrate the relationshiop among the themes. (This would only further demonstrate your grasp on the content)

Students are to email Mr. Beller their responses by Wednesday (note: this should not be a surprise!) (dbeller2@wcpss.net)

7: Excellence beyond reproach (you should be published)

6 : Very good performance: Detailed knowledge and understanding, logically structured, appropriate terminology; analysis, evaluation and synthesis of knowledge; strong awareness of multiple perspectives; strong evidence and critical thinking

5: Good Performance: Sound knowledge and understanding; answers are logical and coherent, but could be extended; some integration of knowledge and concepts; tendency to be more descriptive than evaluative although shows contrasting views; solid evidence of critical thinking; an ability to analyze data

4: Strong Performance: Secure knowledge and understanding beyond 'common sense' points; ability to structure, but need to improve clarity and focus; ability to develop ideas, relate facts, substantiate assertions, but is more descriptive than analytical; ability to interpret data, solve problems and engage in analysis.

3: Mediocre performance:Demonstrates some knowledge and understanding; a basic use of terminology and structure; some ability to make links between facts and ideas. Assignment clearly lacks the depth of response.

2: Poor performance: limited knowledge and understanding, some sense of structure, limited use of terminology, limited ability to make links between facts and ideas. Information is very limited in depth expected for assignment.

1: Very poor performance: very limited knowledge and understanding; no clear structure, inadequate terminology, limited demonstration of understanding of data or analysis. Large gaps in demonstration or completion of expectations.

Meditation and Mandala Background Reading

Meditation Reading

• As you read think about the following: 
• What is the importance of meditation for Buddhists?
• How can we use the act of meditation to extend our knowledge of the relationship among the various themes of our in-depth study?

Mandalas
Part I: http://www.tricycle.com/blog/himalayan-buddhist-art-101-mandalas

Part II: http://www.tricycle.com/blog/himalayan-buddhist-art-101-mandalas-part-ii

NPR: Pregnancy and Yoga - for your enjoyment

NPR

Power Point Notes - Lecture to Come

Doctrines and Beliefs


Please feel free to use these videos to frustrate, ahem, assist you!

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Schools of Buddhism

Take notes on the different types of Buddhism

Then, review these notes using some type of active review technique. 

You could make flash cards, write a paragraph summary, complete a Venn diagram, use the Feynman technique, etc.  You will use this part for your photo essay. 


Dharma Assignment : This and schools of Buddhism will be the Doctrines and beliefs component of your Photo Essay

Anatta - take a look

If There is No Self, Who is Born, Who Dies, Who Meditates?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2dKaqXeCsI


I hope these might clear something things up!

Working on lecture - will come soon.

If the lecture comes too late, let's take flex time to watch/record our observations.

Important Dates coming up

11/20: Fill in the blank quiz on 3 fundamental questions (each blank = 1 point)

by 11/25: please use the Feynman Technique (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrNqSLPaZLc) to explain to me your knowledge/understanding/completion of the following themes: (rubric to come soon)

• Rituals 
• Sacred Text 
• Doctrines and Beliefs

TED Talk - working to change gender inequality

How do we respect someone's religious beliefs, while also holding religion accountable for the damage those beliefs may cause? Chelsea Shields has a bold answer to this question. She was raised in the orthodox Mormon tradition, and she spent the early part of her life watching women be excluded from positions of importance within the LDS Church. Now, this anthropologist, activist and TED Fellow is working to reform her church's institutionalized gender inequality. "Religions can liberate or subjugate, they can empower or exploit, they can comfort or destroy," she says. "What is taught on the Sabbath leaks into our politics, our health policy, violence around the world."

TED Talk

Theme 2: Sacred Texts

 For your photo essay, the next theme for your in-depth will focus on sacred texts. 

1. Review the PowerPoint (as well as the In-Depth PowerPoint) and take notes. These will count as part of your "Summary of Significant Findings"
2. Task: Identify and explore the various sacred texts associated with Buddhism.

• Theravada scripture: the Pali Canon/Tripitaka (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abidharma Pitaka). These are considered the “authoritative” Buddhist scriptures.
•  Mahayana scripture: the Lotus.
•  Vajrayana: Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Question: HOW am I supposed to complete this? What other resources will I need? 

Answer: Here is the suggested way to approach the assignment: 

1. Research background information on each group of sacred texts. (Note: a)Below are some suggested links. b) when looking at the Pali Canon, we will focus on the Dhammapada) 

• http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.intro.budd.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Sutra
• https://www.theosophical.org/publications/1452

2. You will need to complete the following: 

• Dhammapada: Read the introduction. As you are reading, you will notice that it has selected some specific sutras. I would use these,however, if you want to select another chapter - then go for it! For your selection you will complete the APPARTS handout. 
• Lotus Sutra: Read the following selections and answer the document based questions 
• Selection 1
• Selection 2
• Selection 3
• Tibetan Book of the Dead: We will watch a documentary (don't worry)
• You will also need to complete the assignment on the 2nd to last slide on the linked powerpoint (located at the top of this post) (please disregard any instructions to email your work to Ms. Jolley - it is now out there; I'm a fake. A poor excuse for an instructor. May you have mercy on my soul.......)

3. Make sure you include a reflection/evaluation (why are these texts significant? Are there any connections between the texts and rituals/doctrines and beliefs/moral conduct? Why would these texts still be important to a Buddhist today? Your own thoughts/insight)

articles

http://aeon.co/magazine/philosophy/martine-batchelor-secular-buddhist-pilgrimage/

http://aeon.co/magazine/culture/martine-batchelor-meditation/

http://aeon.co/magazine/culture/how-buddhist-ritual-helped-me-ride-out-the-storm-of-ocd/

http://aeon.co/magazine/health/old-age-and-death/what-makes-a-good-death-in-a-secular-age/


you can search aeon magazine has a wide variety of articles that might help in your reflection and evaluation part

www.tricycle.com - good site


more to come! stay tuned

new: http://www.mastersindivinity.org/sacred-texts.html#buddhism   (note: you will not be able to access this at school. Apparently, the URL category "Education/Reference" is not allowed)

Huston Smith Reading on Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path

Huston Smith

• So....I would recommend this reading when you are approaching the last step in your rituals assignment [critical reflection and evaluation - which includes answering your key question]. The purpose of reading the excerpt would be to have a better understanding of the relationship between the rituals and the doctrines/beliefs. I believe that this will allow your voice to be heard and open up the array of conclusions and questions that can be answered and/or asked. 

Theme 1: Rituals Introduction Video// In Depth Study PowerPoint//Photo Essay Assignment for Rituals

Short Introduction to Rituals

In Depth PowerPoint - the necessities

Rituals Assigment for Photo Essay

1. For your photo essay you have some options regarding your study of Buddhist Rituals. Please select one of the key questions from the choices below
2. After selecting the questions, define the vocabulary in italics (this will be part of your activity packet)
3. Select one of the tasks  **note more than one person can do the same task, HOWEVER, please split up the topics! (we should try to avoid any repetition)
4. Suggested plan of study:

• Report it out: vocabulary/identification 
• Rationale - why did you select this particular topic/key question? What is your relationship or interest in the question? What do you know about the vocabulary in the question? What do you hope to learn? 
• Summary of Significant Findings: what did you find out about your topics? 
• Critical Reflection and Evaluation: Answer the key question and provide thoughts, questions still left unanswered, concerns, interpretive commentary (how/why do the topics support your claims?)

1.       To what extent does ritual shape communal identity? (Buddha, dharma, sangha, karma, bhavana, karuna, sila)

a.       Examine the various daily rituals and symbols associated with Buddhist community: meditation, mudras, mandala, thangkas, wheel of dharma, chanting, mantras, dana, puja.

b.      Identify and define various places of worship associated with Buddhist community: monastery, stupa and temples.

      How does ritual shape daily life? (Dharma, karma, samsara, nirvana, sangha, bhavana, panna, sila)

a.       Identify and examine the various milestones and/or rituals associated with the Buddhist community: milestones (head shaving, marriage/becoming a monk), death and burial

b.      Explore the various festivals associated with the divisions of Buddhism: Dharma Day, Losar, Sangha Day, Kathina, Parinirvana, Wesak

Homework for 10/28 - due 10/30

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING TO BE COLLECTED:
1. Chapter Summaries/Quote Analysis (20 points)
2. Part 1 Reflection (last bullet)  - to be completed for all 4 chapters! (24 points) (see links on previous post for reference)


1. What does the _______ Truth say?
2. Where/How is it present in chapter ____?
3. How would a Buddhist comment on chapter _____?

** Answers should show reflect a student's knowledge and understanding of the Four Noble Truths and how it is applied in the various chapters of Siddhartha 

**Also For Friday 10/30**

1. Look over the Day 1 Assignment for the Photo Essay (Monday 10/19 Post)
2. Have an outline ready for your narration and images to use after we have training on Photostory


**ONE MORE THING FOR FRIDAY***

Be sure to have some understanding of how we can visualize the relationship between the 5 IB In-Depth themes with respect to Part 1 of Siddhartha

Ritual:

Sacred Text: Sutras (part of the Tripitaka or Three Baskets)

• Sutta Pitaka (teachings attributed to the Buddha)

Doctrine/Belief: Four Noble Truths 

Religious Experience: 

Ethics and Moral Conduct: 

Five Aggregates of Existence

Links to 4 Noble Truths

In Depth Explanation of 4 Noble Truths

Link to Matthews Text

Core beliefs and practices for Buddhism: the 3 questions. Memorize these!!

What is the human condition?
Buddhists believe humans are caught in samsara: the endless cycle of existence, characterized by maya (illusion), tanha (craving) and hatred/aversion, leading to dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness)

Where are we going? 

• to a favorable or unfavorable rebirth after death 
• to enlightenment through entering nirvana
• to Buddhahood
• to bodhisattvahood (Mahayana Buddhism)

How do we get there? 
We achieve Enlightenment by:

• acknowledging the Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, and sangha, by joining the sangha
• accepting the Four Noble Truths 
• following the Middle Way/the Eightfold Path 
• following the precepts consistent with a lay or monastic way of life 
• following the path of the bodhisattva
• developing wisdom and compassion

Sub Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiTni3I6yOA

Buddhism In-Depth Study

Photo Essay: Details of Assignment and Day 1 requirements

Tips for Creating a Photo Essay

Five Aggregates of Existences Handout

Matthews Text

Life of Mahavira

Important dates to end the quarter........

HW: Due Monday October 19 - read pages 130-146 in the textbook and complete study questions #1-8 at the end of the section 

DUE: BY THURSDAY OCTOBER 22 (no later because I will not be in the state of NC):

• Corrected Paper 1 and Paper 2 responses (we will look at examples and peer edit on Thursday, October 15th)

Objective: Students will comment on at least 3 other visuals explaining what another classmate’s presentation added to your knowledge of Hinduism through the __presentation model___

What should it look like? (How will I know that I met Mr. Beller's expectations?)

Google Doc (to be shared with dbeller2@wcpss.net) 

1. Your Name:
2. Peer's Name:
3. Deity Researched: 
4. Strengths of the Project (what did they do well?)
5. Weaknesses of the Project (what would you have done differently, areas where there could be some improvement)
6. Explanation of how the classmates' presentation added to your knowledge of Hinduism. 

Paper 1 Material

"Those who remember me at the time of death will come to me. Do not doubt this. Whatever occupies the mind at the time of death determines the destination of the dying; always they will tend toward that state of being. Therefore remember me at all times and fight on. With your heart and mind intent on me, you will surely come to me. When you make your mind one-pointed through regular practice of meditation, you will find the supreme glory of the Lord. "   Bhagavad Gita 8:5-8

"There are two paths, Arjuna, which the soul may follow at the time of death. One leads to rebirth and the other to liberation." Bhagavad Gita 8:23

Sticky Pad Note Question 10/7/15

Question: What is the difference between "murti" and "avatar"?

Murti:  the sacred image  - there is more to it than just this, and some Hindu groups consider the murti a form of avatar. (to see more: http://hinduism.iskcon.org/practice/308.htm)

Avatar: incarnation of a deity in human or animal form 

Log in Information for DE and Piktochart

Students:

·         Username: wcpstudent#

·         Password: student#

Home ~ Builder Tools ~ Board Builder

Piktochart link:
https://magic.piktochart.com/users/sign_up

Hindu Gods Assignment

Notes  (look over these to review the basic framework of Hinduism)


Hindu Gods Project   (Assignment/Rubric/Choice of Gods)

How Do We Get There? Four Yogic Paths

Hinduism identifies four “spiritual personality types”  The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator names different personality types, for example, introvert and extrovert. Do you think it is helpful to categorize people according to type? Are the Hindu types illuminating or confusing? What type are you?

HW 10/1 due 10/5: The Bhagavad Gita

Watch the following  video clip  and answer the following questions on a sheet of paper:

1. Is Arjuna convinced that fighting his relations is acceptable by Krishna's arguments, or by Krishna's overpowering status as the god of all creation? If a simply human teacher had made all the points Krishna made, do you think Arjuna would have been convinced?
2.What is Krishna's most basic argument in favor of fighting and killing in the name of dharma?
3. How might modern readers whose religion or philosophy do not include reincarnation apply the principles of the book to their own life?

Ramayana: Intro and Synopsis

Introduction

The Ramayana is one of the two great Indian epics. The Ramayana tells about life in India around 1000 BCE and offers models in dharma. The hero, Rama, lived his whole life by the rules of dharma; in fact, that was why Indian consider him heroic. When Rama was a young boy, he was the perfect son. Later he was an ideal husband to his faithful wife, Sita, and a responsible ruler of Aydohya. "Be as Rama," young Indians have been taught for 2,000 years; "Be as Sita."

Prince Rama was the eldest of four sons and was to become king when his father retired from ruling. His stepmother, however, wanted to see her son Bharata, Rama's younger brother, become king. Remembering that the king had once promised to grant her any two wishes she desired, she demanded that Rama be banished and Bharata be crowned. The king had to keep his word to his wife and ordered Rama's banishment. Rama accepted the decree unquestioningly. "I gladly obey father's command," he said to his stepmother. "Why, I would go even if you ordered it."

When Sita, Rama's wife, heard Rama was to be banished, she begged to accompany him to his forest retreat. "As shadow to substance, so wife to husband," she reminded Rama. "Is not the wife's dharma to be at her husband's side? Let me walk ahead of you so that I may smooth the path for your feet," she pleaded. Rama agreed, and Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana all went to the forest.

When Bharata learned what his mother had done, he sought Rama in the forest. "The eldest must rule," he reminded Rama. "Please come back and claim your rightful place as king." Rama refused to go against his father's command, so Bharata took his brother's sandals and said, "I shall place these sandals on the throne as symbols of your authority. I shall rule only as regent in your place, and each day I shall put my offerings at the feet of my Lord. When the fourteen years of banishment are over, I shall joyously return the kingdom to you." Rama was very impressed with Bharata's selflessness. As Bharata left, Rama said to him, "I should have known that you would renounce gladly what most men work lifetimes to learn to give up."

Later in the story, Ravana, the evil King of Lanka, (what is probably present-day Sri Lanka) abducted Sita. Rama mustered the aid of a money army, built a causeway across to Lanka, released Sita and brought her safely back to Aydohya. In order to set a good example, however, Rama demanded that Sita prove her purity before he could take her back as his wife. Rama, Sita and Bharata are all examples of persons following their dharma.

Synopsis of the Ramayana Story

1. Dasharatha, King of Aydohya, has three wives and four sons. Rama is the eldest. His mother is Kaushalya. Bharata is the son of his second and favorite wife, Queen Kaikeyi. The other two are twins, Lakshman and Shatrughna. Rama and Bharata are blue, perhaps indicating they were dark skinned or originally south Indian deities.

2) A sage takes the boys out to train them in archery.

3) In a neighboring city the ruler's daughter is named Sita. When it was time for Sita to choose her bridegroom, at a ceremony called a swayamvara, the princes were asked to string a giant bow. No one else can even lift the bow, but as Rama bends it, he not only strings it but breaks it in two. Sita indicates she has chosen Rama as her husband by putting a garland around his neck. The disappointed suitors watch.

4) King Dasharatha, Rama's father, decides it is time to give his throne to his eldest son Rama and retire to the forest to seek moksha. Everyone seems pleased. This plan fulfills the rules of dharma because an eldest son should rule and, if a son can take over one's responsibilities, one's last years may be spent in a search for moksha. In addition, everyone loves Rama. However Rama's step-mother, the king's second wife, is not pleased. She wants her son, Bharata, to rule. Because of an oath Dasharatha had made to her years before, she gets the king to agree to banish Rama for fourteen years and to crown Bharata, even though the king, on bended knee, begs her not to demand such things. Broken-hearted, the devastated king cannot face Rama with the news and Kaikeyi must tell him.

5) Rama, always obedient, is as content to go into banishment in the forest as to be crowned king. Sita convinces Rama that she belongs at his side and his brother Lakshman also begs to accompany them. Rama, Sita and Lakshman set out for the forest.

Bharata, whose mother's evil plot has won him the throne, is very upset when he finds out what has happened. Not for a moment does he consider breaking the rules of dharma and becoming king in Rama's place. He goes to Rama's forest retreat and begs Rama to return and rule, but Rama refuses. "We must obey father," Rama says. Bharata then takes Rama's sandals saying, "I will put these on the throne, and every day I shall place the fruits of my work at the feet on my Lord." Embracing Rama, he takes the sandals and returns to Aydohya.

6) Years pass and Rama, Sita and Lakshman are very happy in the forest. Rama and Lakshman destroy the rakshasas (evil creatures) who disturb the sages in their meditations. One day a rakshasa princess tries to seduce Rama, and Lakshmana wounds her and drives her away. She returns to her brother Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka (Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon), and tells her brother (who has a weakness for beautiful women) about lovely Sita.

Ravana devises a plan to abduct Sita. He sends a magical golden deer which Sita desires. Rama and Lakshman go off to hunt the deer, first drawing a protective circle around Sita and warning her she will be safe as long as she does not step outside the circle. As they go off, Ravana (who can change his shape) appears as a holy man begging alms. The moment Sita steps outside the circle to give him food, Ravana grabs her and carries her off the his kingdom in Lanka.

7) Rama is broken-hearted when he returns to the empty hut and cannot find Sita. A band of monkeys offer to help him find Sita.
Ravana has carried Sita to his palace in Lanka, but he cannot force her to be his wife so he puts her in a grove and alternately sweet-talks her and threatens her in an attempt to get her to agree to marry him. Sita will not even look at him but thinks only of her beloved Rama. Hanuman, the general of the monkey band can fly since his father is the wind, and Hanuman flies to Lanka and, finding Sita in the grove, comforts her and tells her Rama will soon come and save her.

8) Ravana's men capture Hanuman, and Ravana orders them to wrap Hanuman's tail in cloth and to set it on fire. With his tail burning, Hanuman hops from house-top to house-top, setting Lanka afire. He then flies back to Rama to tell him where Sita is.

9) Rama, Lakshman and the monkey army build a causeway from the tip of India to Lanka and cross over to Lanka. A might battle ensues. Rama kills several of Ravana's brothers and then
Rama confronts ten-headed Ravana. (Ravana is known for his wisdom as well as for his weakness for women which may explain why he is pictured as very brainy.) Rama finally kills Ravana.

10. Rama frees Sita. After Sita proves here purity, they return to Ayodhya and Rama becomes king. His rule, Ram-rajya, is an ideal time when everyone does his or her dharma and "fathers never have to light the funeral pyres for their sons." Mahatma Gandhi dreamed that one day modern India would become a Ram-rajya.

The Ramayana : reading

Please read the selection of the Ramayana provided here.

Your assignment is to prepare to discuss moral dilemmas that were present in the reading. Please be prepared to discuss AT LEAST the following:

1. King Darasatha grants the promised boons to Queen Kaikeyi
2. Lakshmana and Sita follow the exiled Rama into the forest 
3. Lakshmana deserts Sita at her request.

Consider the following when examining moral dilemmas:

1. Dharmic or non-dharmic
2. if it's dharmic, explain how
3. If it's non dharmic, explain how and what the consequences are. 

Current Event/Historical Inquiry - Activity Packet

Remember these are optional (+10 points) BUT have the potential to assist you with your essays. Please consider doing these activities. Any articles that I present in class with not count for the optional assignment.

Pope Francis in America, more Hinduism readings on Gender, Dharma, etc.

Pope Francis in America

Hinduism in the Home   (taken from "Teach Yourself Hinduism", 1995)

1.  First three pages discuss worship in the home 
2. Pg. 4-5 discuss women and religion in the home 
3. Pg. 9-10 discuss caste and women 

Voices of Dissent Assignment

You task is to focus on the main ideas of each of reading’s sections. For each section (the Bolded Titles within the chapters) you are to come up with the FIVE main points of that section. To do this you are to make a question out of the heading – the five points should address the question or help answer the question. When you complete the section, you are to develop a thesis statement / summary of the section. Please have a hard copy of this with you by Friday 9/25

Schedule for Upcoming Classes

Friday 9/18: Revise Laws of Manu assignment, viewing of "Water"

Tuesday 9/22: Finish "Water", Manu assignment needs to be completed. Reading from Contemporary Hinduism  - "Voices of Dissent: Gender and Changing Social Values in Hinduism" (reading assignment will be included) HW: read pages 90-100 in textbook

Friday 9/25:  Debrief, start lesson on Dharma


Hinduism PowerPoint

Hinduism for Beginners

Hinduism for Beginners

Gender and Hinduism

The Laws of Manu and Women (actual assignment)

BBC Link

Women's Dharma


The Status of Women

Students should complete the appropriate tasks and research/collect information to assist them in building an answer to the question, " To what extent does gender determine a Hindu’s experience of religion?"

*Due Day of Test (TBD)

Patterns of Faith Reading Quiz

Patterns of Faith Reading Questions (10 points)

1.      In two or three well thought out sentences, summarize the major point of this reading.

2.      List several things (at least 3) you learned from this reading that you did not know before this reading.

3.      Using the information from #2, explain how the reading assisted in your understanding of key Hindu concepts and/or the 3 IB Questions. (What is the human condition, where are we going, how do we get there). Hint: answers to focus on specific content.

4.      Discuss how one’s understanding of Tat tvam asi  could be expressed in the behavior of believers.

5.      Create one discussion question for the class. Provide at least 3 talking points.  

Hinduism Activity Packet and Vocabulary

Activity Packet Guidelines - class expectations

Hinduism Activity Packet

Hinduism Vocabulary

IB Command Terms


Homework for due September 10th: Read pages 72-88 in the text and start on Activity 5 (Study Questions 1-2 on pg. 107-108)

Consider the tasks each question asks you to complete. (what does it mean to outline? discuss? Look at IB Command Terms)

link to videos - World-view projects

http://youtu.be/4Fp8WjtdUcw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNQavIozeRc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvDFV54nL54

Grading Rubric - Writing Assignment

Here is a brief breakdown of how you will be graded:

30: Excellence beyond reproach (you should be published)

28-29: Very good performance: Detailed knowledge and understanding, logically structured, appropriate terminology; analysis, evaluation and synthesis of knowledge; strong awareness of multiple perspectives; strong evidence and critical thinking

23-27: Good Performance: Sound knowledge and understanding; answers are logical and coherent, but could be extended; some integration of knowledge and concepts; tendency to be more descriptive than evaluative although shows contrasting views; solid evidence of critical thinking; an ability to analyze data

18-22: Strong Performance: Secure knowledge and understanding beyond 'common sense' points; ability to structure, but need to improve clarity and focus; ability to develop ideas, relate facts, substantiate assertions, but is more descriptive than analytical; ability to interpret data, solve problems and engage in analysis.

14-17: Mediocre performance:Demonstrates some knowledge and understanding; a basic use of terminology and structure; some ability to make links between facts and ideas. Assignment clearly lacks the depth of response.

10-13: Poor performance: limited knowledge and understanding, some sense of structure, limited use of terminology, limited ability to make links between facts and ideas. Information is very limited in depth expected for assignment.

9 and below: Very poor performance: very limited knowledge and understanding; no clear structure, inadequate terminology, limited demonstration of understanding of data or analysis. Large gaps in demonstration or completion of expectations.

What needs to be done by class on 9/3??

For your reading that was handed out at the end of class:

Religious Roots of Society

1. Main ideas/key concepts
2. quotes
3. questions
4. Personal reflection  - what points could be sued to help answer the question? How and why?

**I need to see this on a sheet of paper. ***

Also, please look at the essential question and the quotes below. Do we need to revise the essay prompt? How so?

“The only progress that knowledge allows is in enabling us to describe more and more in detail the world we see and its evolution. What matters in a world-view is to grasp the meaning and purpose of everything, and that we cannot do.” Albert Schweitzer

“You can learn a lot from people who view the world differently than you do.” Anthony D’Angelo

Supplemental Readings

Introduction to Religious Worldviews

Pew Research: Religious Landscape Study

Pew Research: Demographic Study

Pew Research - 10 Facts about Religion in America

Essential Question: How are the lived experiences of Americans influenced by religion?


Tasks:
  1. Students will read "Introduction to Religious Worldviews" with the project's essential question in mind.  Students should be able to pull information/talking points from the reading and explain how & why their selections can be used to assist

2. Students should spend some time looking through the Pew Research study to find any SPECIFIC FACTUAL INFORMATION  that can be used in answering the essential question.



**September 1st will focus on viewing and discussing the videos, along with a reading on the social roots of religion.

tutorial for using iMovie on iPads

text

video tutorial

Video

Directions: Please watch this short video  that asks the question, “What does it mean to be awake in the world?” to a selection of people.

After watching, reflect on the following:

1. What do you think influenced the responses of the people interviewed? 

2. Where do we develop our beliefs and values?

Be prepared to discuss both the poem and video on Wednesday, August 26th. 

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2015-2016 Syllabus

Introducing Religious Worldviews Project