Hinduism
Part 1: Defining Dharma
Using information from Site 1, write four defining elements of dharma (the prescribed conduct and morality within the religious system of Hinduism).
Dharma is Universal: Universal dharma is known as rita, the underlying principle and universal law regulating nature. It is destiny and the road to destiny.
Human: Human dharma is asrama dharma, the natural expression and maturing of the body, mind, and emotions through four progressive stags of earthly life.
Social: Social dharma is varna dharma. Social dharma entails our national, societal, and occupational responsibilities.
Personal: Personal dharma is svadharma, our own perfect individual pattern in life.
Part 2: Arjuna's Dilemma
1. Read the account of Arjuna's dilemma in the Bhagavadgita. Write down two quotations from Arjuna's speech that you think most clearly express his concerns and insights.
“Oh Krishn, seeing my kinsmen standing with desire to fight, my limbs fail and my mouth becomes dry”
“I see no use of killing my kinsmen in battle”
2. For homework, apply your understanding of dharma to Arjuna's dilemma. Pretend you are the Hindu god, Krishna. Write a two-paragraph letter to Arjuna. Give him advice on what he should do and why. Be sure that your response answers the Focus Question: How does Arjuna's dilemma in the Bhagavadgita teach the concept of dharma?
Arjuna, I understand that you are not willing to put your kinsmen in danger, however, it is not fitting of a person of noble mind and deeds to be tearful and downcast. This behavior will not lead you to heaven. Get rid of these trivialities and get ready for battle. Wise men do not grieve for the living or the dead. Death is a natural occurrence. We are merely souls moving from body to body after death. Our spirits are indestructible, therefore, prepare your kinsmen for battle.
Using information from Site 1, write four defining elements of dharma (the prescribed conduct and morality within the religious system of Hinduism).
Dharma is Universal: Universal dharma is known as rita, the underlying principle and universal law regulating nature. It is destiny and the road to destiny.
Human: Human dharma is asrama dharma, the natural expression and maturing of the body, mind, and emotions through four progressive stags of earthly life.
Social: Social dharma is varna dharma. Social dharma entails our national, societal, and occupational responsibilities.
Personal: Personal dharma is svadharma, our own perfect individual pattern in life.
Part 2: Arjuna's Dilemma
1. Read the account of Arjuna's dilemma in the Bhagavadgita. Write down two quotations from Arjuna's speech that you think most clearly express his concerns and insights.
“Oh Krishn, seeing my kinsmen standing with desire to fight, my limbs fail and my mouth becomes dry”
“I see no use of killing my kinsmen in battle”
2. For homework, apply your understanding of dharma to Arjuna's dilemma. Pretend you are the Hindu god, Krishna. Write a two-paragraph letter to Arjuna. Give him advice on what he should do and why. Be sure that your response answers the Focus Question: How does Arjuna's dilemma in the Bhagavadgita teach the concept of dharma?
Arjuna, I understand that you are not willing to put your kinsmen in danger, however, it is not fitting of a person of noble mind and deeds to be tearful and downcast. This behavior will not lead you to heaven. Get rid of these trivialities and get ready for battle. Wise men do not grieve for the living or the dead. Death is a natural occurrence. We are merely souls moving from body to body after death. Our spirits are indestructible, therefore, prepare your kinsmen for battle.