Aim

To introduce children to the Hindu concept of Brahman.
To help children understand that Hinduism is a religion based on respect.

Preparation

Before the lesson burn a joss stick in the classroom.
Reproduce copies of the Namaste poem.

Lesson

Begin lesson by welcoming pupils into the class with the traditional Hindu greeting. This is done with hands together (as in prayer), a slight bow of the head and the word "Namaste". Encourage the children to greet each other in this way.

Explain to them that 'Namaste' literally means 'I respect you'. But the full meaning of 'Namaste' is best captured in a short poem. Distribute copies of the poem amongst the children.

What do the children think of this poem? What do they make of the word 'soul'? What does the poem tell them about what Hindus believe?

Hindus believe that there is a Universal Soul in everything that exists. Hindus give this Universal Soul the name Brahman. Brahman is not a person. Brahman is a power.

It may be necessary to help children understand the concept of Brahman by a few concrete illustrations.

If you have burned a joss stick before this lesson, draw the children's attention back to the smell. The smell is everywhere in the room. It is even inside them - in their lungs. But can they see it? This is one of the ways that Hindus understand Brahman.

Alternatively (or additionally); before the start of the lesson, fill two glasses full of water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into one of the glasses. At this point of the lesson, invite a volunteer to taste the glass of water. Then, invite the volunteer to taste the salt solution. Even though, the volunteer could not see the salt in the second glass, she could taste it. According to Hindus, that's how Brahman is in the world.

Ask the children to consider what last week's exercise had to do with Hindu beliefs about Brahman. In what way, do Hindus believe we are all connected?

Conclusion

Conclude lesson by reciting / writing a commentary on the Namaste poem.

Teachers' Notes

The dissolving experiment is used as an illustration in the Upanishads, the oldest collection of Hindu scriptures.