Aim

To begin to understand Hindu concepts of God

Lesson

Begin by discussing the subject of food with the children.

• What are their favourite foods?
• Which foods do they refuse to eat?
• Why do they not eat these foods?

Inform the children that there are many people who do not eat meat. Can the children give reasons for this decision?

Some people (Hindus) do not eat meat because they believe that there is a part of God in every living thing. What do the children think of this idea?

Note: this is a very different idea to the Judeo-Christian paradigm of God as creator.

In India, where most Hindus live, the cow is treated with particular respect because it provides milk. On a special day each year, in the towns and villages in one part of India, all the cows are rounded up, washed, decorated with flowers and/or paint and led in a line through the streets (see image of painted cow).

What do the children think of this idea? In what ways can we show respect for animals?

Activity

Children could use the worksheet to show how they would decorate a cow.