Student Reading & Activity Packet(c) The Ancient Institute

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Procedure1. When making copies, make two packets:

• Reading Packet: copy pages 5 – 10

• Gods Worksheets: copy pages 11 – 17

2. Explain to students that Hindus are both monotheistic (believing in one god) and polytheistic (believing in many gods). They believe in one spirit, called Brahman, that exists in everything. The many Hindu gods are simply Brahman, the spirit, taking different forms.

3. Tell students that Hindus make images, of their many gods, that contain a great deal of symbolism. Students will be learning about the Hindu gods, the symbols, and what they mean.

4. Distribute two packets to each student.

5. On the Gods Worksheets, draw students’ attention to the arrows surrounding each god. Tell them that, as they read, they should write down the item each arrow is pointing to and what it symbolizes. It might be helpful to complete the first god, Brahma, together as a class and then allow students to do the rest independently or in partners, as you see fit.

6. Provide students with time to complete all of the labeling.

7. When all students are finished, you have a choice:

A. Collect and correct students’ work using the Answer Key (pages 18-24)B. Have students buddy up with a partner ( or new partner) to compare and check their workC. Display the Answer Key on a projector and go over the answersD. Go over the answers orally

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BrahmaDon't confuse Brahma with Brahman (essence of life) or Brahmins (priestly caste).

Brahma is the form that Brahman takes to create the universe. For this very reason, Hindus call Brahma the creator of the universe.

Brahma is shown as a bearded, four-faced, four-armed god.

The four faces represent the sacred knowledge of the four Vedas

The four arms represent the four directions and the omnipresence (present everywhere) and omnipotence (all powerful) of Brahma.

In his upper right hand, prayer beads symbolize the cycle through which the world moves from creation to existence to destruction.

In his upper left hand, a book symbolizes that knowledge is important for any kind of creative work.

In his lower left hand, a water pot in the front left hand symbolizes the energy by which Brahma brings the universe into existence.

The golden face of Brahma indicates that he is active in the process of creation.

The white beard denotes wisdom and the long beard conveys the idea that creation is a continuing process.

The crown on his head symbolizes power.

Brahma wears white clothes to show that he is pure, meaning free of sins.

Brahma uses the swan as a vehicle, and the swan is a symbol of a mind trained in meditation.

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BrahmaBrahma is the form that Brahman takes to

Vishnuis the form that Brahman takes to

is the form that Brahman takes to

Shiva Natraja

Ganeshis the form that Brahman takes to

Lakshmiis the form that Brahman takes to

wife of

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Krishnais the th incarnation of

took many incarnations, or , to come to the earth to

BrahmaBrahma is the form that Brahman takes to create the universe

crown on his head symbolizes power four faces symbolize knowledge of

the four Vedas

book symbolizes that knowledge is important for any kind of creative work

white beard denotes wisdom and the long beard conveys the idea that creation is a continuing process prayer beads

symbolize cycle of life from creation to existence to destruction

water pot symbolizes the energy by which Brahma brings the universe into existence

Vishnuis the form that Brahman takes to preserve and protect the universe

two earrings representing that everything comes in pairs

Crown symbolizing his power

conch shell to remind worshippers to live in this world with kindness and compassion towards all living beings

chakra (a weapon with 108 sharp edges) conveys the idea that he uses this weapon to protect his worshippers and the world from evil

a gem symbolizing that he provides for the needs of his worshippers

a garland (mala) of flowers representing the offerings of his worshippers

goddess of the Ganges River

trident which represents the cycle of nature: creation, preservation and destruction

crescent moon reminds worshippers of the seasons of life

Snakes are also used to symbolize reincarnation.

is the form that Brahman takes to e_n_d li_fe a_n_d_rein_carna_te it

Shiva Natrajafiery ring represents the universe with all its suffering and pain

hourglass shaped drum represents the rhythmic sound to which Shiva dances and ceaselessly recreates living things

pot of fire represents the destructive energy with which Shiva destroys living things

uplifted left foot grants eternalhappiness to those who worship him stands upon the body of the

demon who represents ignorance (lack of education), which causes suffering

Ganeshis the form that Brahman takes to

remove o_b_s_ta_c_le_s, o_r_t_h_in_g_s th_a_t_g_e_t_i_n the way of achieving a goal

an elephant symbolizes how people should steerthe soul away from bad actions

a noose which represents the death of ignorance from the gaining of knowledge

If his trunk is turned to his right, it symbolizes dedicating one’s life to good deeds

a pot of rice or meat represents offerings left at his shrine

rat symbolizes Ganesh's ability to destroy every obstacle

Lakshmiis the form that Brahman takes to

b_r_in_g w_e_a_lt_h_a_n_d success

wife of

VishnuThe lotus conveys the idea that one must

pe rform all duties in the world inaccordance with dharma, or one’s duty in society

providing wealth and success (gold) to her worshippers

The lotus signifies that while living in this world, a person should enjoy its wealth, but not become obsessed with it

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Krishna8_th incarnation of V_i_shn_u

Vishn_u took many incarnations,

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, to come to the earth to p

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The girls' love for Krishna symbolizes the bond between the individual soul and Brahman

Vishnu took the incarnation of Krishna to come to earth to defeat evil demons, represented by the snake and skulls

The girls represent peoples’ souls trapped in their physical bodies.