Religious_Education_Book 1_Pilot

Religious Education Book 1



Introduction Religion helps us to be better people and to live harmoniously with everyone around us. In this multicultural, multi-religious, ever-changing world that we live in, it is important for all of us to learn about the many faiths that make society so rich and varied. This pilot is an initiative by Gateway College to help young learners understand the principles and practices of some of the major faiths of Sri Lanka and the world. Books in this series Religious Education – Book 1 Religious Education – Book 2 Religious Education – Book 3 Religious Education – Book 4 Religious Education – Book 5



Contents Chapter 1 – Religious Leaders and Religious Texts Chapter 2 – Places of Worship



Religious Education Book 1 Religious Leaders and Religious Books Much of what you learn, you learn from someone. It could be from your parents or your teachers or even your friends. Because they love you and care about you they teach you good things. Religious leaders are just the same. They are all great teachers and leaders who cared about people so much that they wanted to help people lead good lives. And be nice and kind to each other. A really special thing about these great leaders is that their good qualities could be seen even when they were children just like you. 1

Religious Education Book 1 Even though they were born and grew up in different parts of the world they all showed a love for good from a very young age. Take a look at this globe. Let’s start with a prince who lived in India a long time ago. 2

Religious Education Book 1 B This prince was called Siddhartha and was u born in Lumbini (in current day Nepal). One d day he and his cousin Devadatta were walking d h in the woods. Suddenly, Devadatta saw a i swan and shot it with his bow and arrow. s Both boys ran towards the fallen swan. m Siddhartha reached the swan first and wanted to take care of it and make it better. But Devadatta said the swan belonged to him. Because they couldn’t decide, they went and asked a wise man in the court who the swan belonged to. The wise man said that Siddhartha must keep the swan because he tried to save it and not hurt it. Later in life, Siddhartha became the Buddha and for many 3

Religious Education Book 1 years he taught people good things. The words he spoke can be found in the set of books called the Tripitaka. These are a collection of the teachings of the Buddha. For around 400 years Buddhist monks memorized these sermons word by word and taught it to the next generation. These teachings were then written Did you know? down in Pali in the Aloka Vihara in Sri Lanka. That is what is called the In Theravada Tripitaka today. Tripitaka means 3 Buddhism, 'Buddha' is a baskets, because it was originally word that means a written on ola (palm) leaves and person who has become stored inside 3 baskets. enlightened and has realized how to end the Buddhists refer to them to cycle of birth and death understand about the world and the and how to become free from suffering. There have been many Buddhas in the past and there will be others in the future. All of them have preached the same Dhamma kind of people they should be. 4

Religious Education Book 1 The next stop is Jerusalem in Israel. Can you see it in the map? Write the name in the space given. 5

Religious Education Book 1 C Young Jesus lived in Israel. Jesus was the son of h God who came down to earth and was born in r Bethlehem. His parents were named Joseph and i s Mary. Even as a child, He felt close to God and t loved to learn about Him. i Every year His parents went to the city of a n Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Passover. i Once, when Jesus was just 12 years old, they t y went together to the festival, but when the parents started their return journey, Jesus wasn’t with them. His parents thought that He was with the other travelers and when they realised He wasn’t, they went looking for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple in Jerusalem, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers. His parents were happy to have found Him but His mother asked, ‘Child, why have 6

Religious Education Book 1 you treated us like this? We were very worried and have been searching for you.’ Jesus said, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I am here to do my father’s work?’ Just like young Jesus found His way to the house of God, he wanted others to do the same. During His life here on earth, He taught people how to be 7

Religious Education Book 1 good and kind. He performed many miracles and He helped people to come closer to God. Jesus’ life and teachings are described in the Bible, the Holy Book of the Christians. The Bible is a collection of books that was written over a long period of time and it has two parts. The Old Testament is about the beginning of the world and how the world got ready for the coming of Jesus. The New Testament was first written in Greek and is about the life and teachings of Jesus. For Christians, the Bible is the Word of God and it helps them to understand how God wanted people to lead their lives. 8

Religious Education Book 1 One of the things all the great teachers taught was how important it is to be truthful and honest. Let’s spin the globe a little bit so that we can look at Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Can you see where the city is located? 9

Religious Education Book 1 I The man who would one day be known as Prophet s Mohammed (pbuh) was born in Mecca. His father l died before he was born and he was raised by his a grandfather and then his uncle. His family was m engaged in trade and even as a teenager, Mohammed worked with his uncle. In those days trading meant that people travelled to many places crossing the dessert. Mohammed did the same. This wasn’t always an easy life but the way young Mohammed carried out his duties made him an example to others. Over time, Mohammed earned a reputation for being honest and sincere, and was given the nickname “al-Amin” meaning faithful and The cave named Hira where Muhammad received the trustworthy. first revelation. This is located on the mountain Jabal an-Nour, near Mecca 10

Religious Education Book 1 When he was around 40 years old, the angel Gabriel visited him with a message from Allah (God). From that time onwards the Prophet (pbuh) spent his life teaching the message of Allah which came to him through revelations that happened over several years. These revelations make up the Quran. The Quran is the holy book of the Muslims which contains the words of Allah. The Quran has 114 surahs (chapters) and Muslims read these to understand how to be good and how to lead good lives. To understand the world Muslims also refer to the Hadiths, which are stories from the life of the Prophet (pbuh). 11

Religious Education Book 1 When you spin the globe it goes around and comes full circle. And our fourth and final stop is in India again but this time to the South. 12

Religious Education Book 1 Hinduism is spread across India, but in the H Southern part, Hindus learn much about the God i Shiva from the poetry of their four great teachers n d Tirunavukkarasar, Sambandar, Sundarar and u Manikkavasagar (collectively known as the i Samaya Kuravar). s m These four sages were all born in South India and they dedicated their lives to spreading the message of devotion to God. There are stories that mention something special about each one of them. Sage Tirunavukkarasar traveled all over South India worshipping and singing hymns to Lord Shiva. Sage Sundarar had many visions of Lord Shiva and there were miraculous events that happened in his life. 13

Religious Education Book 1 Sage Manikkavasagar, was the prime minister to the king of Madurai. But one day he had a vision of Lord Shiva and he left the royal court so that he could dedicate his life to serving Lord Shiva. Sambandar Tirunavukkarasar Sundarar Manikkavasagar Sage Sambandar showed his devotion to Lord Shiva from a very young age. In fact, he was just three years old when he was blessed with a vision of Lord Shiva. 14

Religious Education Book 1 After this vision he spontaneously sang his first devotional song. This blessing he received as a child remained with him throughout his life and he dedicated his life to using this gift of song to sing the praises of Lord Shiva so that others too could learn about him. 15

Religious Education Book 1 It is said that the sage Sambandar could explain the Vedas at the age of seven. The Vedas are the earliest Hindu religious texts. There are four vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvanaveda. Each Veda has four subparts and of these the Upanishads are very important because that is the essence of vedic teachings. However, in their daily lives Hindus often turn to the devotional songs of the Samaya Kuravar and the Bhagavad Gita. The 700 verses of the Gita is full of advice about how to lead a good life. 16

Religious Education Book 1 You have read several stories from the lives of the great teachers that show that people could see their good qualities even when they were children. All of you have good qualities within you. And these will remain with you even when you grow up. They might even have a lot to do with the kind of person you grow up to be! Someone who is very kind might one day be a teacher or a nurse or a doctor or a vet. Someone who devotes their life to God could become a priest or preacher and would be a wonderful friend to everybody as well! Let’s write down one good quality or talent that you have. 17

Religious Education Book 1 Can you think of who you could be when you grow up because of that quality or talent? In the space below draw or paste a picture of who you would like to be when you grow up. 18

Religious Education Book 1 Places of Worship Every day on your way to school, or when you are going somewhere with your parents, you pass by many places such as houses, shops, parks, bridges and all kinds of other places and buildings. Among them you will also see four very special places. These are the places where Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists gather to pray and worship. 19

Religious Education Book 1 Can you match the buildings with their names? Temple kovil Mosque Church 20

Religious Education Book 1 Churches C h There are many types of churches all over the r world that Christians go to. i s Some are grand cathedrals. Others are very t simple. i a Some are modern. Others have been there for a n very long time. i t But what is important is that inside all churches y there is love, care, togetherness and protection. There is also a sense of that peace people feel in there and the doors of a church are always open to anyone in need. 21

Religious Education Book 1 There are many famous churches all over the world, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is one of them. This is a significant and relevant church visited by millions of people throughout the year. It is one of the most visited churches in the world and it has many interesting features and world famous works of art. 22

Religious Education Book 1 Can you match the pictures with the correct description? The Basilica is designed like a cross and many famous artists were involved in designing it. Where people sit is called the nave and the passages are called aisles. St. Peter's has a structure called a dome which is beautifully decorated inside. The altar stands under a bronze canopy. There are two clocks on either side of the dome And under one of these there are six bells of which only three can be seen. 23

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Religious Education Book 1 Temples B u Buddhists go to the temple to worship. They can d go there any day but often Buddhists go on poya d (full moon) days. h Buddhists also go to the temple to worship and to i remind themselves of the teachings of the Buddha. s m Sometimes they go to meditate. Because Buddhism is followed in different countries, temples can look different too. This is a picture of a temple in Thailand. These are often grand and have lots of decorations. In countries like China and Japan, temples often have many storeys. This type of temple is called a pagoda. 26

Religious Education Book 1 This is Nuwan. Today is a full moon day. So Nuwan is going to the Buddhist temple with his mother. Inside the temple he went to several places. Can you cut out the pictures in the last page and paste them in the correct place? When Nuwan entered the temple, he first went to the counter near the water taps. He kept the oil and incense there and washed a small basket and arranged the flowers in it. 27

Religious Education Book 1 Then he went to the stupa (dagaba). This is where the relics of the Buddha are kept. Next Nuwan went to the Bodhi tree. This is the tree under which the Buddha became enlightened. After that he went to the image house. This is where a large statue of the Buddha is kept. 28

Religious Education Book 1 In each place he kept flowers and lit incense, and recited different gathas to show his respect. Then Nuwan went towards his favourite area. This was where he could light lamps! After that Nuwan and his mother sat down in a comfortable place where they wouldn’t disturb anyone else and spent some time reciting gathas and taking in the calm feeling of the temple. 29

Religious Education Book 1 Kovils H i Have you ever seen a puja tray that Hindus take as n offerings to the kovil? d u There are several items that are always kept on it. i Let’s fill up this tray by drawing and colouring s m them! 30

Religious Education Book 1 Holy ash Santhanam paste (Sandalwood) Kumkum powder Coconut Betel leaves Arecanuts Flowers 31

Religious Education Book 1 Kovils can be of different styles, but there are some features that can be found in almost any kovil. Read the descriptions in the next page and write the names of the different parts in the picture below. 32

Religious Education Book 1 Sikhara – A tall tower made up of hundreds of sculptures Garbhagriha – the inner chamber where an idol of the main God of that kovil is kept Praharam – The path around the garbhariha where Hindus walk clockwise to worship the idol. Mandapa – a hall or pavilion used for rituals Gopura Vasal – a structure that marks the entrance to the kovil. The kovil is a part of the daily lives if Hindus and they often go to the kovil on special occasions and festivals. The design of a kovil often uses shapes that have balance as the main idea is to give a feeling of peace and enlightenment. 33

Religious Education Book 1 Mosques I s Ayaan was very l excited as he walked a beside his father. He m was happy about the clean, loose, simple clothes he was wearing today. On the way he could hear the Azan (call to prayer) ring out. This was the first time he was going to the mosque to pray. All these days Ayaan had said his prayers at home, but now that he was SIX years old his father thought he was big enough to go to the mosque! 34

Religious Education Book 1 As he walked, Ayaan thought of all the things he knew about the mosque… “ The tall, slender tower is called a minaret.” “ It is necessary to know the direction where the kaaba is to pray. This is shown by the mihrab (hollow) in the wall” 35

Religious Education Book 1 “ Everyone gathers and prays in the prayer hall.” “And right over the main hall is a big dome.” Ayaan was very pleased about all the things he could remember! 36

Religious Education Book 1 Next he started ticking off all the things he should do… “When I enter the mosque I shouldn’t take in dirt. So I must remove my shoes. Then I have to wash our hands, forearms, face and feet before I pray. This is done in the wudu (ablution) area. I must always remember to be quiet and respectful inside the mosque. When entering I should say Assalamu Alaikum (peace be unto you) and greet everyone… And… oh! I should recite my prayers faithfully” Ayaan was sure that he remembered all the important things. And right on time too! Ayaan and his father had arrived at the mosque and it was time to go in. 37

Religious Education Book 1 Although these places look very different, people go to them for very similar reasons. Some are given below. Can you add more to the list?  To feel close to the divine or to your spiritual self  To strengthen the connection to the community and to think of others at all times  To feel happy and peaceful  To be kind and good T T  38

Religious Education Book 1 How should you behave when you go to places of worship?  You have learned that each place has its own traditions. You should always remember to respect those traditions even if your own faith is different.  You should always make sure you don’t shout or run, because that is disrespectful.  It is important to keep all places of worship clean. So you should never litter.  It is ok to enter some places wearing shoes. In other places you need to take your shoes off before entering. 39

Religious Education Book 1  It is a good idea to look around and do as others are doing.  Read signboards. These often have guidelines.  One of the best things about places of worship is that each has different traditions and blessings come in different ways.  In some places a sweet is offered as a blessing. Where might that be? ____________________  In other places people can join in the singing. Where might that be?________________  Some places have holy thread to tie. Where might that be? ________________  In others they might say a prayer for you. Where might that be? __________________ 40

Religious Education Book 1 It is good to ask the elders of your family before taking part in something. But remember, you must never hurt a person’s feelings by not showing respect for their traditions and beliefs. Everyone cares about their place of worship and want others to do the same. Therefore, it is important to show all places of worship the same respect. 41

Religious Education Book 1 Image Credits https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Baldachin#/media/File:Bal daquin_Bernin_Saint-Pierre_Vatican.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica#/media/File:SaintP ierreRaphael.JPG https://www.ucanews.com/news/st-peters-basilica-reopens-to-the- public/88062 https://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=8bebe191- 878b-4aa2-a715-a57155b5ccaa&gid=3 https://www.discogs.com/artist/4381346-The-Bells-Of-St-Peters-Basilica https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Peters-Basilica https://coolgyan.org/ias-preparation/temple-architecture-and- sculpture-dravidian-style-of-architecture-art-and-culture-for-upsc/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/sabihkhan/3307434170 42

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