An Approach to Indian Philosophy from Worldly Perspective

Course Aim

In today’s rapidly changing, interconnected world, the ancient wisdom of Indian Philosophy offers valuable insights and practical solutions to pressing global challenges. As we navigate complexities of identity, morality, and purpose, Indian Philosophy provides timeless guidance on cultivating inner peace, clarity, and resilience. By exploring the rich tapestry of Indian thought, students will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and cultural understanding. Moreover, the principles of Indian Philosophy, such as non-violence (ahimsa), compassion (karuna), and self-awareness (atma-vidya), can inform innovative approaches to global issues like sustainability, social justice, and mental well-being. This course invites students to engage with the world’s oldest continuously evolving philosophical tradition, unlocking new perspectives on personal growth, professional success, and global citizenship.

Course Objectives

To understand the historical development and classification of Indian philosophical schools (Astika and Nastika).
To analyze the key concepts and principles of major Indian philosophical systems, including Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Jainism, Buddhism, and Charvaka.
To identify and compare the similarities and differences between various Indian philosophical schools.
To critically evaluate the relevance and application of Indian philosophical concepts in modern times, including ethics, morality, and personal growth.
To develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of Indian philosophical texts, debates, and arguments.
To cultivate an appreciation for the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage of India, recognizing the significance of Indian Philosophy in the global context.
These objectives provide a clear direction for the course, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of Indian Philosophy and its ongoing relevance.

Learning Outcomes

This introductory course will provide a comprehensive understanding of Indian Philosophy, enabling students to delve deeper into specific schools and concepts.

Here are 15 topics for the course “*An Approach to Indian Philosophy from a Worldly Perspective”* covering both Astika and Nastika Darsanas:

Duration: 15 Weeks – 90 Mins/Week

Course Fees: $450

Certificate: Students will receive certificate of completion. Students enrolled in “For CREDIT’ will also receive TRANSCRIPT.

Classes: Every Friday, starting from 31st Janurary, 2025 6PM (PST)

Course Outline

Module 1: *Introduction and Foundations*

Week 1. *Introduction to Indian Philosophy: * Context, Scope, and Relevance

Week 2. *The Vedas and Upanishads: * Sources of Indian Philosophical Thought

Module 2: *Astika Darsanas*

Week 3. *Vedanta: * The Philosophy of Ultimate Reality (Brahman and Atman)

Week 4. *Sankhya*: The Science of Union (Purusha and Prakriti)

Week 5. *Yoga*: Ashtanga Yoga

Week 6. *Nyaya*: Logic and Epistemology in Indian Thought

Week 7. *Vaisheshika: * Atomism and the Categories of Reality

Week 8. *Mimamsa:* Exegesis and Rituals in Indian Philosophy

Module 3: *Nastika Darsanas*

Week 9. *Jainism*: Non-Violence, Karma, and Liberation

Week 10. *Buddhism: * The Four Noble Truths and the Path to Nirvana

Week 11. *Charvaka: * Materialism, Skepticism, and Hedonism

Module 4: *Comparative and Applied Perspectives*

Week 12. *Ethics and Morality in Indian Philosophy* Comparing Astika and Nastika Views

Week 13. *Indian Philosophy and Modern Science: * Intersections and Parallels

Week 14. *Mindfulness and Well-being in Indian Philosophy: * Practical Applications

Week 15. *Global Citizenship and Indian Philosophy*: Values for a Sustainable Future

These topics provide a comprehensive overview of Indian Philosophy, covering both Astika and Nastika Darsanas, and exploring their relevance to contemporary issues and global perspectives.

Faculty

Prof. Rani Sadasiva Murthy

Professor

Prof. Rani Sadasiva Murthy is presently Vice Chancellor, Sri Venkateswara Vedic
University, Tirupati. He is a multidisciplinary and multilingual expert having his post graduate degrees in Sanskrit, English, Philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, Jyotisha and Management along with a Ph. D in Sanskrit. He held many administrative positions like Dean, Academic Affairs, NSU, Tirupati, Head of the Department, Sahitya, NSU, Tirupati, Director of Cultural Affairs, NSU, Tirupati, Addl. Coordinator of Sanskrit Science Study Centre, RSVP.

He has produced 27 Ph.Ds., 26 M.Phils., 1-Ministry of Culture Sr. Fellowship, 2 Post
Doctoral Research Fellows, UGC, under his research guidance.

He wrote more than 55 books and edited 12 books and proceedings, 80 research articles, and 250 general articles.

He is a member of various academic bodies in various national and international universities and educational institutions.
He was the Director/Coordinator of many national funded projects like The Mahabharata Project, Patthabhirama Sastri Vykhyanamala, and Director of Audio-Visual Projects, COE, Electronic Text of The Mahabharata with Hyper Links, NSU, Tirupati, He created several audio versions of rare Stotra collection of Gitagovindam, Jagannatha Suprabhata Stotra Manjari, Siva- Ganesha-Devi-Stotras, Vishnu-Lashmi-Sahasranamavali, Vedapaatha.

He produced many poetry and dance ballets in Sanskrit, Telugu and English. He directed a Sanskrit film named Hidimba-Bhimasenam on behalf of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati.

He delivered hundreds of discourses on different subjects pertaining to Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems in various Universities in and abroad and is a live commentator of SVBC channel of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Festivals occasionally.
He is a recipient of several prestigious awards like Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, 2016, “Prajna Bhaskara”, 2010, “Vyas Bharati”, 2007, “Natyaravali” State level Talent Award, 2007, “Vijay Shree” Award of India International Friendship Society, 2005, and “Samskrita Bandhu” in 2000.

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