Lesson video

Hi, I'm Mrs. Charalambous and welcome to today's learning with me.

We're going to learn lots of new information today, I hope you are ready, let's begin.

Today's lesson is, "Brahman, the Role of Deities," from the unit, "Hindus, How do Hindus see Brahman?" By the end of the lesson today, you'll be able to explain the role of the deities in Hindu Dharma and why the Trimurti is important to help explain qualities of Brahman.

Let's look at our keywords for today's lesson with my turn, your turn.

Trimurti, Trimurti, "Three significant forms of Brahman." Shiva, Shiva, "The deity who transforms the universe." Vishnu, Vishnu, "The deity who protects the universe." Brahma, Brahma, "The deity who creates the universe." Qualities, qualities, "Special characteristics of someone or something." Let's look at today's lesson outline for, "Brahman, the Role of the Deities." Cycle one, how can one God take many forms in Hindu Dharma? This is Dhanu, she has a Hindu Dharmic worldview.

Dhanu loves to teach others about her beliefs.

She volunteers at her local mandir, where she explains important ideas about her faith.

One key idea she teaches is about Brahman, the ultimate reality.

Most Hindus believe in one god.

Brahman is one God with many forms, these forms help Hindus understand and connect with the different aspects of the ultimate reality.

Dhanu would like to share this with you, "Brahman can take many forms, often as deities, to help people understand different parts of the divine.

Deities show specific qualities or powers of Brahman," and Brahman is sometimes referred to as, "The Divine." Dhanu likes to explain this concept using a quote from a famous Hindu thinker called Ramakrishna.

"Brahman is like water, when it freezes, it becomes ice and when it melts, it becomes water again.

The ice is still water, just in a different form," and that is the quote from Ramakrishna that Dhanu likes to share with those people that attend the mandir.

Dhanu would like to share this also, "Just like ice cubes form in different shapes and sizes, but they are still water in different forms, this is how I see Brahman and deities.

Deities look very different, but they are forms of one Brahman." And as you can see from the picture below the diagram, it shows ice cubes in different forms, but it's made from the same water.

Let's check our understanding.

What do Hindus believe about Brahman? A, Brahman is one God with many forms, B, Hindus believe in many separate gods, not one, C, Brahman is only a single form with no qualities.

Take a moment to think before sharing the answers with me.

That's right, it's A, Brahman is one God with many forms. Well done if you've got that question correct.

Let's move on.

Dhanu would like to share this with you, "The Trimurti show three important forms of Brahman, the one ultimate God.

Each has a special job in the universe with special qualities.

Below other names of the Trimurti.

So Brahman, the ultimate reality, and the three Trimurti are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Let's check our understanding with true or force.

The Trimurti represent three important forms of Brahman, the ultimate God, true or false? That's right, it's true, why? I think most of you are saying this, "The Trimurti includes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva." Well done for answering this question correct.

Brahma is part of the Trimurti as the creator, below is a statue of Brahma.

He made the universe and everything in it.

Brahma's role and special quality is to life bring into the world and to start the cycle of creation.

Vishnu is part of the Trimurti as the protector and here is a statue of Vishnu.

He keeps the universe in balance and ensures peace by protecting all life, this is his special quality.

Whenever there is danger or evil, Vishnu comes down to earth in different forms called avatars to restore balance and dharma.

Shiva is part of the Trimurti as the transformer.

This is a statue of Shiva.

He brings change by clearing away the old to make space for something new, this is his special quality.

This can mean the end of one thing and the start of something better.

Shiva's role helps keep balance in the universe.

Let's check our understanding with a multiple choice question.

What is Vishnu's main role in the Hindu Trimurti? A, Vishnu is the creator of the universe, B, Vishnu is the protector of the universe, C, Vishnu is the transformer of the universe.

Take a moment to have a little think before sharing the answers with me.

That's right, it's B, Vishnu is the protector of the universe.

Let's move on.

Task A, Alex says, "There are many deities in Hindu Dharma, so I think Hindus believe in many gods rather than one." Is Alex correct? Give reasons for your answer.

Pause the video here so that you can write down your answers.

When you are ready, press Play so I can share some feedback with you.

Alex thinks there are many deities in Hindu dharma, so he thinks Hindus believe in many gods rather than one, is he correct? Give reasons for your answer.

Your answers may have included, "In Hindu Dharma, there is one God called Brahman, but Brahman can take many different forms, these forms like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva help Hindus understand different parts of the divine.

Brahman is the ultimate reality and each form of Brahman represents a special power or quality that helps guide and protect the universe.

You can pause the video here to share some of your answers with me.

Good job on task A, let's move on.

Cycle two, how does the Trimurti help Hindus know Brahman? Take a look at this image, what might this image show? You can share some of your thoughts with me now.

That's right, this is the Trimurti.

Many mandirs in India and Britain show images of the Trimurti, you may see these images enshrines and homes as well.

We can better understand Hindu world views by examining images of deities.

Each of the Trimurti has objects linked to them, these symbols can help Hindus focus during prayer and understand the qualities of the deities.

This is Vishnu, what do you see in Vishnu's hands? Why might they be significant? Going to leave this image up for a moment so you can take a close look and discuss with me what you can see.

Let's take a closer look together.

Vishnu is often shown holding four symbolic items in each of his hands.

Images of Vishnu are often shown with four arms, each holding an object with a special meaning.

Let's take a closer look at each one.

Chakra, so discus.

The discus represents the mind, showing that Brahman has wisdom and control over thoughts.

Mace, it's like a club.

The mace represents power, showing that Brahman has the strength to protect and care for the universe.

The conch is the type of shell, represents the sounds, "Aum," the first sound of creation, this connects to the idea of Brahman being the source of everything.

Lotus flower, the lotus flower symbolises purity and freedom, showing that Brahman is perfect and free from all obstacles.

Vishnu is often portrayed with blue skin, this is symbolic and represents his energy, it's also a link to his power to protect and preserve the energy.

Let's check our understanding.

What does Vishnu's conch symbolise in his connection to Brahman? A, the never ending cycle of time, B, the sound of creation, "Aum," C, knowledge and wisdom.

That's right, it's C, the sound of creation, "Aum." This is Shiva, what do you notice about Shiva? Why might they be significant? I'll give you a few moments before I share some facts with you.

Shiva is often shown with two symbolic objects.

Shiva's snake helps us understand Brahman by showing important ideas, it symbolises Shiva's control over danger and his role as protector.

Snakes shed their skin and this represents a cycle of life, death, and reincarnation, part of Shiva's role in transformation.

The snake also stands for energy and spiritual growth, reminding us that Brahman helps people change and grow.

It highlights Shiva's power and connection to lifecycle and spiritual strength.

Shiva is often also seen with a trident, it is a powerful symbol in Hindu Dharma.

The three prongs represent creation, preservation, and transformation, showing Brahman's role in the universe.

It also symbolises control over time, the past, the present, and the future, this shows Brahman as the ultimate reality.

The trident also represents the balance of the body, mind, and spirit, helping us see Brahman as a source of harmony and spiritual growth.

Time for true or false, Shiva's trident shows balance and control over time, past, present, and future, true or force? That's right, it's true, why? Shiva's trident shows his control over all aspects of the universe.

Well done if he got that tricky true or false correct.

This is Brahma, what do you see in Brahma's hands? Why might they be significant? You can share your answers with me now if you'd like.

Brahma is often shown holding four symbolic items in each of his hands.

Brahma, the creator, is shown with objects that help explain his role and link him to Brahman, the ultimate reality.

The lotus flower reminds us of the divine source of creation linked to Brahman.

Rosary, represents a never ending cycle of time, a key part of the universe created by Brahman.

The Vedas, represents sacred teachings that help understand Brahman's truth.

Water pot, symbolises water's role in creation, showing Brahman's power to give life.

These objects connect Brahman's creative role to Brahman's infinite nature.

Let's check our understanding with a multiple choice question.

Which of the following objects held by Brahma symbolises the never ending cycle of time? A, water pot, B, rosary, C, lotus flower.

That's right, it's rosary.

Well done, if you answered that question correctly.

The Trimurti helps Dhanu focus her mind in a different way and connect to Brahman in different ways.

"When I need to start something new, I think of Brahma and how creation flows through Brahman.

When I feel worried, Vishnu reminds me of Brahman's power to keep everything in balance.

When I face challenges, Shiva helps me to see how Brahman guides transformation and growth." Let's look at task B.

Het has been working on a group project with his friends, but they've had a disagreement and things aren't going well.

Het is frustrated and needs help bringing everyone together and restoring balance in the group.

Explain which of the Trimurti, Het might choose to pray to, to help restore balance in this situation and why? Pause the video here so you can take time to write and reflect on how to help Het.

When you are ready, press Play so I can give you some feedback.

Explain which of the Trimurti Het might choose to help restore balance in this situation and why.

Your answers may have included, "Het could turn to Vishnu, the protector for help.

Vishnu is known for restoring balance and harmony.

Het could think about how Vishnu solves problems by bringing peace and helping others work together.

Het might try to listen to everyone's ideas and help find a solution, just like Vishnu helps maintain order in the universe." Well done For today's task B, I think you've put a lot of effort into your reflections.

Let's summarise today's learning for, "Brahman, the Role of the Deities." For many Hindus, it is believed that Brahman takes many forms and is represented by deities.

Three significant deities are called the Trimurti.

Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver, and Shiva is the transformer.

Each of the Trimurti have special qualities that help people in their lives.

Well done for today's learning, I know you've learned a lot and you've listened well and joined in.

I can't wait to teach you again, hopefully, bye for now!.