Reading and Writing Workshop

Exploring Ancient Civilizations and Philosophies: A Reading & Writing Workshop on the Indus Valley and Buddhism​

Session 1: Reading (RH.6-8.7) – Comparing Visual and Written Sources on the Indus Valley
Objective: Analyze and compare information from visual artifacts and written descriptions of the Indus Valley Civilization. Click here for analysis form.

• Visual Sources:
  • Priest-King Statue: A stone sculpture found at Mohenjo-daro, representing a bearded man, possibly a leader or priest   Smarthistory – The Priest-King sculpture from the Indus Valley Civilization
  • Dancing Girl Statue: A bronze statuette of a young female figure, showcasing the artistic skills of the Indus Valley artisans.  Smarthistory – Dancing Girl from Mohenjo-daro​
• Written Sources:
  • Summary:  Mohenjo-Daro and the Indus Civilization by John Marshall: This comprehensive work provides detailed descriptions of the archaeological findings from Mohenjo-daro.​

Activities:

• Examine the visual sources and note observable details.​
• Read the provided written descriptions.​
• Discuss how the visual and written sources complement each other and what unique information each provides about the Indus Valley Civilization.​

Session 2: Writing (WHST.6-8.8) – Researching and Writing about the Eightfold Path
Objective: Conduct research using public domain texts to understand and explain the Eightfold Path in Buddhism.

• Research Sources:
  • The Noble Eightfold Path by Bhikkhu Bodhi: This text provides a detailed explanation of each component of the Eightfold Path Summary​
    • URL: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html
  • Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (The Discourse on Right View): A Pali Canon discourse explaining right view and its relation to the Eightfold Path. Summary​
    • URL: https://suttacentral.net/mn9/en/bodhi

Activities:

• Read the provided texts to gather information about the Eightfold Path.​
• Write a concise essay explaining each component of the Eightfold Path and its importance in Buddhism.​
• Cite the sources appropriately in the essay.​

Session 3: Speaking & Listening (SL.6-8.4) – Debating the Impact of Religion on Daily Life
Objective: Engage in a structured debate on how religion influences daily life, using historical and contemporary examples.

• Preparation Sources:
  • The Religion of the Indus Valley Civilization by A. H. Dani: This paper explores the religious practices and their societal impacts in the Indus Valley. Summary​
  • Buddhist Paths to Liberation: An article discussing the influence of Buddhist practices on daily life.​
    • URL: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel277.html

Activities:

• Divide participants into groups to research historical and modern perspectives on religion's impact.​
• Each group presents their findings, focusing on specific aspects such as social structure, laws, and cultural practices.​
• Facilitate a debate on the positive and negative impacts of religion on daily life, encouraging evidence-based arguments.