Tips
ISKCON Educational Services strives to make the teaching of Hinduism as rewarding as possible.
This often involves addressing the challenges which teachers face, particularly their concern
to accurately present the tradition. We hope the following guidelines will prove useful
to you. For more details, please consult educational experts, such as your local RE adviser.
IES staff will also be happy to help further. |
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When teaching Hinduism, do not neglect to explore the
inner life, the predominant world-view and its attendant values. Focusing merely on
external features may help portray the tradition as strange, even primitive and superstitious.
Try, therefore, to consistently relate practices to values and key concepts. |
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Consequently, when reciting stories at primary
level, examine the values they portray. In presenting exotic and unfamiliar
practices, begin by exploring accessible concepts, such as people, belonging, sharing,
the family, celebrating together, etc. |
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At secondary level, begin with philosophical
concepts such as karma and reincarnation. Start
with such thought-provoking subjects, in preference to merely launching into an upgraded
re-run of Key Stage 2 work. (Keep in mind the HMI report that mentions the lack of
rigour in Key Stage 3.) |
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Beware of using terms that might cause offence. For example,
instead of "the gods", we advise you to use the word 'deities'
(since it is inclusive of God, gods and goddesses and therefore accommodates the breadth
of Hindu belief). Do not speak of 'idols', with all its connotations, but of 'images',
'sacred images' or 'sacred statues'. Be careful also of how you use the word
"mythology". Some Hindus believe many of their stories to be true
(albeit on a different level of reality). |
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Try to present Hinduism through the eyes of Hindus, as
well as from the Western viewpoint. Allow the tradition to speak for itself.
For example, mention Hindus' own version of their history (which could well lead to
an interesting discussion on the nature of time). |
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Make links and draw comparisons with other religions but
beware of losing the identity and integrity of each. Avoid building inappropriate
bridges (e.g. do not refer to the trimurti as 'the Hindu trinity') |
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This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret
of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of
the self through realisation, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and
it is joyfully performed.
A verse from Bhagavad-Gita (9.2) emphasising the importance of spiritual
education.
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Do not confine Hinduism to India (with some of its stereotyped
images). As with other religions, Hinduism has practitioners world-wide. |
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Nevertheless, Indian art, music, dance, crafts etc. are
attractive features of the tradition and contribute towards exciting learning. Make
good use of the sights, sounds, smells and tastes! (At least until more recently,
the link between Hindu religion and culture has been almost inseparable.) |
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Differentiate between:
1) traditional beliefs and values
and
2) modern practices.
They are often quite different, especially with issues of emigration and acculturation. |
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Take into account the many types of Hindus
- liberally use words like 'some', 'many' or 'most', e.g. "Many Hindus are fully
vegetarian". |
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Beware of using violent stories without understanding
the concepts behind them. They can easily be misunderstood. Select stories
that affirm values you are seeking to instil in your age groups. |
 Information
on In-service Training Opportunities
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Beware of dismissing or pre-judging certain issues without
trying to understand the concepts and intentions behind them, e.g. caste, the "sacred"
cow and arranged marriage. Beware of stereotyped portraits of these subjects.
Focusing on the downside may eclipse any inherent value. Keep in mind that many social
problems are caused by misapplication of principles, not necessarily by the principles
themselves. |
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Do not entirely equate 'caste' with the system of
four varnas and four ashrams. They are not the same, though there is naturally
some connection. |
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Invite Hindu people to your school and arrange
trips to temples. These lend life to Hinduism as cannot be found in books
alone. |
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Let learning be fun, for student and teacher alike! |
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