Quick Think!

What do these words mean?

Dharma

VarnaMoksha

Brahmins

Karma

‘In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge

to our future’

What responsibilities do different members of a family

have?

• Think about your own families.

• In pairs list the members and what their roles and responsibilities are within their family –try to come up with at least 4.

How would you describe/define a traditional Hindu family?

Discuss your ideas.

In Hinduism the family is considered the heart and central focus of a persons daily life.

Traditional Hindu families tend to be ‘extended’, with at least three generations living together. Marriage and having children are key to maintaining the growth of the family.

Members of the family have different roles depending on age and gender.

Maintaining strong family connections is part of a Hindu’s dharma.

You have 2mins to look at these statements. Remember as much as you can for the Qs on the next slide

Copy and answer the following Qs

1. What type of family do Hindu families tend be ?

2. What is the key to the growth of the family?

3. What factors do the different roles depend on?

4. Why is maintaining a strong family connection important for Hindus?

All family members work together for the sake of the family and every member of the family will have different roles and responsibilities to fulfil, which forms part of their dharmic duty. Write a list under each of these headings…

Role of husband •Work to provide finances for the family•Be faithful to his wife•Educate and arrange good marriages for his sons and daughters•Can help with household chores but does not have to.

Role of wife •Cook, clean and maintain a comfortable home•Perform puja daily religious rites and organise the celebrations for religious events•Bring up the children•Teach daughters how to perform these duties•Manage household expenses

Role of male eldersKeep account of the families money

Make key decisions for the family

Will give advice and guidance to the younger generations

Role of female elders Instruct new daughter-in-laws in the running of the house including how puja (showing reverence to god) and religious festivals are done.

Give advice and guidance to the daughters of the house on marriage and raising children

Will be consulted about key decisions to be made in the family

Roles within a Hindu Family

Member of Family Expected dutiesHow does this relate to Dharma?

Male Elder (Granddad, uncles)

Female Elder(Grandma, aunties)

Husband

Wife (daughter-in-law)

Son

Daughter

By fulfilling your duties you… …build up good karma and eventually achieve moksha. If you do not fulfil your duties…you are likely to be trapped in samsara for longer and face reincarnation

Complete the sentences

‘The duties and responsibilities in a family should be the same for men and

women’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, points of view and a personal viewpoint all supported with examples.

You must refer to Hinduism in your answer.

Write it up for HW. The next lesson will start off by going through it so make sure it is completed.