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
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 Murty is presently the Head of the Department of Sahitya in Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati. He is a multidisciplinary and multilingual expert having his post graduate degrees in Sanskrit, English, Philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, Jyotish and Management along with a Ph. D in Sanskrit. He wrote more than 30 books and edited 12 books and proceedings. He produced 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 discoures 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 Srivenkatesvara Festivals occasionally. He has produced 20 Ph. Ds and 22 M. Phils under his research guidance. He is a member of various academic bodies in different universities. He is a recipient of the prestigious Kendra Sahitya AKademi Award 2016 given in December 2017.
Enrichment Courses
- Devotional Music
- Introduction to Hindustani Music
- Fundamentals of Sanskrit Grammar
- Understanding and Appreciating Sanskrit Slokas
- Introduction to Play Writing (Telugu)
- Introduction to Harikatha(Telugu)
- Introduction to Nattuvangam
- Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems
- Viduraneeti - A Roadmap to Success in Corporate World
- Ayurveda for Wellness and Prevention
- Foundation of Yoga
- Introduction to Burrakatha(Telugu)
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Medical Terminology-1
- Introduction to Acting
- Introduction to Mime
- Creative writing : Metrical and Lyrical Poetry (Padyam and Geyam) (Telugu)
- Creative Writing - Short Story & Novel (Telugu)
- An Approach to Indian Philosophy from Worldy Perspective