Aim

To reflect on the concept of retirement.
To explore Hindu ideas about retirement and renouncement from the world.

Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy image of an Indian holy man. Prepare story.

Lesson

Begin by discussing the word 'retirement'.

What does it mean for the children? Do they know any 'retired' people? What have they retired from? Does retirement appear to the children to be a pleasant or unpleasant stage of life?

Following discussion remind children that retirement should be the third stage of a Hindu's life. What are the first two?

On the birth of his first grandchild, a Hindu is supposed to retire from family commitments and to seek out a lonely place for study of the Scriptures and meditation.

What do the children think of this idea? Do they think their own grandparents would have wanted to do this?

Inform the children that only a few Hindus choose to 'retire' permanently. Some might go on a retreat, but most older Hindus try to reach Brahman by other means. Even fewer, choose to progress to the fourth and final stage that of the 'renouncer' or sannyasin.

Show children the picture of a sannyasin.

Allow them time to explore their reactions to this image. Explore with children the purpose of being a sannyasin. To aid discussion, inform children of a famous sannyasin declaration, 'No one belongs to me and I belong to no-one.'

What do they make of this sentiment?

Inform the children that many sannyasins have only three possessions - a loincloth, a stick and a begging bowl.

If the children were only allowed to keep three of their possessions, what would they be?

Conclusion

Conclude lesson by sharing with children the story of the sadhu.

Notes

Sadhus and saints are a prominent feature within Hinduism. Children could be encouraged to research the lives of people such as Sri Ramakrishna, Jalaram Bapu, Sai Baba, Mother Meera, Mother Shyama, and Mahatma Ghandi.