World Religions
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Reading and Writing Workshop

Comparative Religion Workshop: Hinduism
Session 1: Origins – Indus Valley Civilization and the Vedic Period
Objectives:
  • Examine archaeological and textual evidence from the Indus Valley.
  • Understand the transition into the Vedic period and early Vedic religion.
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Write a short essay comparing religious practices inferred from the Indus Valley with early Vedic hymns.

Session 2: Core Beliefs – Dharma, Karma, Samsara, and Moksha
Objectives:
  • Define and connect the key concepts of Dharma (duty), Karma (action), Samsara (cycle of rebirth), and Moksha (liberation).
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Reflective journal: Describe how the concept of Dharma would apply to a modern student’s life.

Session 3: Deities and Scripture – Vedas and Upanishads
Objectives:
  • Identify major Hindu deities.
  • Understand the role and teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads.
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Compare and contrast the theistic focus of Vedic hymns with the philosophical focus of the Upanishads.

Session 4: Scripture and Story – The Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana
Objectives:
  • Analyze how epic literature shapes Hindu ethics and beliefs.
  • Explore the moral dilemmas and divine-human relationships in these texts.
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Literary analysis: Discuss Rama as an ideal of Dharma in the Ramayana.

Session 5: Practices – Puja, Yoga, and Hindu Festivals (Diwali, Holi)
Objectives:
  • Understand ritual and spiritual practices in Hinduism.
  • Explore how festivals reflect core beliefs and regional variation.
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Write an informational article explaining how Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Session 6: Sects in Hinduism – Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism
Objectives:
  • Explore the diversity within Hindu belief and worship.
  • Identify the major features and theological emphases of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.
Reading: Writing Activity:
  • Comparative chart: Create a table summarizing the key differences and similarities among the three sects.

Session 7: Culminating Project – Hindu Mythology in Art and Film
​Objectives:
  • Interpret visual and cinematic adaptations of Hindu mythology.
  • Collaborate to present interpretations of Hindu deities, epics, or festivals through creative or analytical lenses.
Group Activity:
  • Project Options:
    • Create a multimedia presentation analyzing depictions of Krishna in art from different centuries.
    • Compare portrayals of the Ramayana in two different films or animations.
    • Curate a digital art gallery or short documentary on the goddess Durga across Indian art traditions.
Public Domain Image Source for Art: Public Domain Film Resource (optional): Writing Activity:
  • Each student writes an individual reflection or analysis essay on the group’s theme, linking it to Hindu concepts explored during the unit.
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