Five Faiths Project
HINDUISM
Voices of Faith
I. The Story of Ganesh (transcript)
Summary
In this story, students are introduced to the deities, Shiva and Parvati, and their son Ganesh (or Ganesha).
Research Option
Refer to images on the Hindu poster and slides; find additional images of characters in this story from other sources.
Discussion Questions
Ask students to consider the qualities which Ganesh possesses. How does he demonstrate his youth and his growing maturity? How does Shiva show his love and devotion to Parvati? What does Ganesh come to stand for because of his experiences? How might this story hold special appeal for children and parents?
II. The Story of Hanuman (transcript)
Summary
In this story, students are introduced to Hanuman, a central character in the Hindu epic poem, the Ramayana, the story of the great king Ram (or Rama). In this story Hunuman demonstrates his unique abilities to aid and protect Ram.
Research Option
look for images of Ram, Sita, and Hanuman and translations of the Ramayana in a library or on the Internet.
Discussion Questions
What strengths and abilities does Hanuman demonstrate? How might this story deepen the faith and devotion of Hindu people? How might this story hold special appeal for women?
III. Krishna Lifts the Govardhan Mountain (transcript)
Summary
In this story students are introduced to Krishna, one of the most beloved avatars of Vishnu. Krishna teaches humanity about the many aspects of love.
Research Option
The storyteller mentions that she used to live in Hyderabad, India. Ask students to locate this town in southern India on a map, to determine its climate and culture as fully as possible. She also mentions a little town called Gokul in northern India. How is the terrain of southern India different from northern India? Does the terrain affect the story? When is monsoon season?
Discussion Questions
How does the storyteller foreshadow the true nature of Krishna? What extraordinary aspects of Krishna’s life suggest that he is capable of extraordinary actions on behalf of the people in the town? Ask students to consider the ways Krishna is depicted on the poster. What qualities are apparent in the images of Krishna? Krishna can be seen in an enlarged miniature painting at the center of the Hindu poster and in the upper left corner.
IV. The Story of The Elephant and The Rabbit: The Story of Medgumar (transcript)
Summary
In this story, students are introduced to a branch of Hinduism called Jain. The story centers on the teaching of Mahavir, a wise man, and a story he tells to a young man in order to help him decide how to live more faithfully.
Research Option
Ask students to create a working definition for compassion, using a dictionary and the details of this story. Students may be encouraged to research the branch of Hinduism called Jainism
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions: What did Mahavir offer to those who came to hear him? Ask students to consider for whom they might travel great distances in order to hear speak? What would you take with you for such a journey? What did Medgumar bring with him on his journey to hear Mahavir? How did Mahavir’s story demonstrate his compassion for Medgumar? How does this story introduce reincarnation, the diversity of Hindu practice and the interconnected nature of all things?