Spirituality

• Re
• Special Education

Spirituality

Learning objective

 I am learning about the importance of Spirituality in the Hindu faith.

Success Criteria

  How will I know if I have had a successful lesson?

I will understand what it means to be spiritual.

I will recognise how spirituality can be expressed.

I will understand some of the spiritual practices of the Hindu faith.

When you hear the word 'spiritual' what words do you think of?

What is spirituality?

The dictionary definition of spirituality is..

'The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to materialistic or physical things'.

Materialistic

The word 'materialistic' means believing that having money and possessions is the most important thing in life.

Spirituality

Spirituality is a broad concept and can be applied in lots of different ways. 

It is generally agreed, however, that spirituality is about an inner sense of connection to the people and the world around you, based on the belief that there are things beyond human control or explanation. 

What 'things' do you care most about?

An inner sense of connection to people. This means we feel a positive energy with other people and a desire for there to be strong and reliable bonds

Empathy is an important part of spirituality, where there is true care for the emotional feelings of others. 

Spirituality explained

Some people with a strong sense of spirituality might feel that their connection with other people will last beyond their human life, such as a type of heaven or similar idea.

For others, that connection can mean a bond that isn’t broken by being far away from someone – there is some kind of energy that connects people. Friendships and communities are strengthened from spiritual beliefs and tolerance.

Spirituality can mean having an inner sense of connection to the world

Many people find spirituality through nature. Being in nature can help bring inner peace and connect people to the natural world and universe around them. It can also be a way to take a break from the noise of the city and other material things in life.

For many, spirituality helps a person to accept that they may not find answers to big questions but encourages them 

to keep exploring the questions and to continue to seek purpose and 

meaning in life.

Spirituality is about finding meaning and purpose

Spirituality & Religion

Many people who follow a religion would say that their religious faith is grounded in spirituality. 

Spirituality is how people connect deeply.

Spirituality is a deep connection to the world.

Spirituality is about finding meaning and purpose

Which of the following is spiritual rather than physical/materialistic?

1. Having a big house
2. Having lots of money
3. Being happy and content with life
4. Always wanting more

Wanting to have expensive clothes and shoes is...

1. Materialistic
2. Spiritual

Which of the following pictures shows materialistic things?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Which of the following pictures best represents spirituality?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Physical/Materialistic things

Spiritual things

Which best describes spirituality?

A big house

Having a sports car

Having lots of money

Being happy and content with life

Going on expensive holidays

Which of the following best describes spirituality?

Having an inner sense of connection

Believing that money and possessions are everything in life

Connecting with and appreciating nature is being...

Materialistic

Spiritual

Practicing Spirituality

There are many ways people practice connecting with their spirituality. 

Three popular acts of connection are mindfulness, meditation and yoga.

Spirituality in Hinduism

Spirituality is central to Hinduism, which encompasses a wide range of beliefs about the divine, the soul, and the nature of existence

Hinduism and spirituality

According to Hindu Dharmas, spirituality is dependent on health and wellness, and health and wellness is dependent on spirituality.

Wishing candles

The Ganges River in India is very sacred to Hindu people. Hindu’s believe that the water of the Ganges river is purifying and if they bathe in the river their sins will be forgiven and they will be cured of illness. ‘Wishing candles’ are placed in the river by Hindu people to represent a wish for a family member or friend. 

Activity

Make your own 'spiritual' wish on the candle for a friend or loved one.

 

Success Criteria

  How will I know if I have had a successful lesson?

I will understand what it means to be spiritual.

I will recognise how spirituality can be expressed.

I will understand some of the spiritual practices of the Hindu faith.