New
New
Year 7
Dharma and pluralism
I can explain the meaning of dharma and the different way it is interpreted by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.
New
New
Year 7
Dharma and pluralism
I can explain the meaning of dharma and the different way it is interpreted by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhi are often referred to collectively as 'dharmic' religions.
- Dharma is interpreted differently between the three religions.
- Hinduism may be referred to as the 'Hindu Dharma' or 'Sanatana Dharma' to move away from a colonial view.
- Pluralism is a way of understanding the views of the divine.
Keywords
Hindu dharma - the true essence of all living things
Buddhist dhamma - the teachings of the Buddha
Sikh dharma - living with a good moral code and honouring God
Pluralism - the view that there are many ways to experience the divine
Common misconception
Dharma means the same thing across the dharmic religions.
The interpretation of dharma differs amongst Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.
In this lesson we explain how the term Hinduism may not be the most authentic term to describe Hindu worldviews and make a link to the history of colonial rule.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
The Hindu religion originated in which country?
China
North America
Thailand
Q2.
Karma is a key concept in the dharmic religions. What does it refer to?
the duties given by God
the teachings of the Buddha
Q3.
Guru Nanak was the founder of which dharmic worldview?
Hindu
Buddhist
Q4.
Who are the main characters in the Hindu Ramayana story?
Ravana and Vishnu
Hanuman and Ganesh
Q5.
Diwali is most likely to be celebrated by the followers of which religions?
Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims
Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians
Q6.
According to Buddhism, which religion was Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) born into?
Buddhism
Sikhi
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What are the dharmic religions?
Hindusm, Buddhism and Islam
Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity
Christianity, Islam and Judaism
Q2.
What does the Hindu dharma refer to?
living with a good moral code and honouring God
the teachings of the Buddha
Q3.
What does the Buddhist dharma refer to?
the teachings of the gurus
the teachings of the prophets
Q4.
What does the Sikh Dharma refer to?
the words of the prophets
the teachings of the Buddha
Q5.
Why might the term 'Hinduism' be rejected by Hindus?
it is traditional
it includes all aspects of the Hindu faith
Q6.
Hindu pluralism can refer to ...
the only one way there is to experience the divine.
the limited ways there are to experience the divine.
Additional material
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