Primary Hinduism
Comprehensive Hinduism for Key Stages One to Three. For accessing extra resources mentioned in this textbook, you need to register with us. There are no fees. Just email us your school details: hindu@btinternet.com
Primary Hinduism is a textbook published by us to complement the teachings of Hinduism on this website. It is designed to cover the Key Stages One to Three requirements for teaching Hinduism in schools. It has many colourful stories and pictures, with suggestions for many classroom activities.
The material is presented in learning about/learning from and activities format as recommended in the New Framework for RE document. The book costs £12 + £3 p&p and can be purchased by emailing seeta.jay@btinternet.com
Reviewed by Andrew Copson of British Humanist Assocation
“Teachers often report that they have difficulties integrating learning about the eastern religions into their RE, just as they have integrating secular philosophies such as Humanism. With belief systems so different from the monotheisms and, in the case of Hinduism, with a dazzling internal diversity, knowing how to present a meaningful picture of them can be daunting. In the case of key stages 1 to 3, this can often be compounded by a focus on ceremonies, celebrations and stories which many adherents of these worldviews may find unrepresentative of the nature of their beliefs.
This feeling seems to partly motivate 'Primary Hinduism', which presents Hinduism from a Hindu perspective with great clarity and range, weaving stories from the Hindu tradition into explanation of the Hindu into its presentation with verve. By presenting Hinduism in a Hindu voice, which also strives to be a comprehensive one, it acts as a good introduction to the basis of Hindu belief, which it builds up with the stories featured to give a greater understanding of how these beliefs guide actions and what they mean to those who hold them.
The content is clearly based on approaches which the author and editor have found useful as speakers on Hinduism to schools and gives the text a directness which, together with its authentic voice, is a great strength. This would be particularly useful to schools who cannot find Hindu speakers. The illustrations accompanying the text are colourful and appealing, and the accompanying endnotes which highlight learning objectives as well as suggesting classroom activities will be useful.”
Hinduism for Schools
Hinduism for Schools is the textbook we have published to cover the syllabus requirements for full GCSE in Hinduism for all examining boards. The book costs £12 + £3 p&p and can be purchased by emailing seeta.jay@btinternet.com
Reviewed by Mark Brimicombe (former member of AREIAC)
“This is a valuable and comprehensive guide to sanatana dharma that recognises that its source of authority and inspiration is Swami Vivekananda. It is beautifully illustrated with photographs and a good range of Hindu art and because of its authentic origins should be an essential asset for all teachers of religious education. Here is a publication that reflects a Hindu experience of life in 21st century Britain.
A Hindu perspective of a pluralist society results in an explicit treatment of the issues of inter-faith dialogue. Hinduism for schools deals with current ethical issues and so teachers will have access to Hindu perspectives on marriage, life and death, drug abuse and the media. As well as a thorough chapter on Hindu practice in daily life, this valuable reference work for teachers and secondary students offers excellent chapters on philosophy of religion and religion and science.
The content of this book, which is both reliable and insightful, is enhanced by the format of the chapters. Font sizes, bold and italic formats and shading all make the book eminently readable and easy to use as a reference document. Helpful features at the end of each chapter are sections called 'Breadth of vision' and 'Memory guide' and there's space for the reader to add extra notes. The Memory Guide is a glossary of Sanskrit words and the breadth of vision takes some of the religious teachings included in the chapter and gives deeper insight. The book promotes some core teachings and the spirituality of Hinduism and its value lies in the fact that two well-informed and eloquent devotees have worked to express their beliefs and values.
Seeta Lakhani has written an excellent document which has been edited by her father, Jay Lakhani. In his preface, Jay writes: The two most serious challenges faced by the world today are: first, in a world that has become a global village, to find a way that religious communities can coexist peacefully and with full dignity. Secondly, to make religions relevant in a modern, secular society. The way to resolve this challenge is to subject all religious teachings to the acid test of rationality. Characteristically this volume seeks to do just that by presenting Hinduism rationally, positively and enthusiastically.”
To purchase any of these resources please visit Amazon.co.uk and search for Hinduism Seeta Lakhani