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Course Details

Home / Course / Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta

Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta

$1,500.00

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Course Code:

HSF5004

Credit Hours:

3

Course Level:

500

Area of Study:

Hindu Studies Foundation 

Course Description

HSF5004 - ((MAH/PHD Course) This course introduces the vision of Advaita Vedānta, which teaches that a single, non-dual consciousness underlies the self, the world, and its cause. This consciousness, both immanent and transcendent, can be realized by those who cultivate the necessary prerequisites. Students will study the liberating knowledge contained in the Upaniṣads, guided by Śaṅkara’s seminal commentaries, to understand how it addresses the human problem of suffering. The course examines the qualifications required for this knowledge, the means of acquiring it, and engages with key dialogues in major Upaniṣads. It also surveys competing interpretations, including modern perspectives, offering a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Advaita Vedānta’s enduring philosophical and practical insights.        
introduction to Advaita Vedanta
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Program of Study

This course is part of the following programs:

Master of Arts in Hindu Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies

Division

Graduate Division

Required / Core / Elective:

Core, Required

Prerequisites:

Admission to the program of study.

Semester / Quarter System:

Semester

Number of Weeks:

17

Semester / Quarter Offered:

Winter 2026

Days of the Week:

Tuesday and Saturday

Time:

8:30 pm EST – 10:00 pm EST – Tuesday and Saturday (7:00 am IST – 8:30 am IST – Wednesday and Sunday)

Start Date:

January 31, 2026

End Date:

May 23, 2026

Faculty

Swamini Agamananda Saraswati

Swamini Agamananda Saraswati serves as a Core Doctoral faculty member at the Hindu University of America. She holds a Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University. Her teaching and scholarship focus on Vedānta and Sanskrit studies.
read more

agamananda.saraswati@hua.edu

Course Learning Objectives

In this course students will be able to:

  1. Analyze the nature of the human problem and the role of knowledge and action (sādhana) in its resolution.
  2. Explain the epistemological framework of Advaita Vedānta in relation to the human problem.
  3. Describe the Advaita view of reality with reference to non-duality (advaita).
  4. Identify the prerequisites for the knowledge of Advaita and the means prescribed to attain them.
  5. Compare modern and ancient interpretations of Advaita with Śaṅkara’s traditional view.
introduction to Advaita Vedanta

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Course Content

Throughout history, human beings have grappled with profound questions: Who am I, really? Why am I here? Why do we suffer? Is there a solution to the problem of human suffering, and is there a reality beyond the world we know? In ancient India, the Rishis (sages) explored these questions not as abstract philosophical exercises, but as vital concerns with immediate relevance to human life. This course invites learners to engage with their inquiry and the vision they arrived at, examining its insights and implications for our lives today. Central to this vision is Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that a single, non-dual consciousness underlies the self, the world, and even the cause of the world. This consciousness is both immanent and transcendent and can be realized by those who cultivate the necessary understanding and preparation. Through the study, learners will discover how this knowledge offers a path to freedom from the challenges and suffering inherent in human existence.

Class Structure

The class will meet for one and half hours, twice a week and will be composed of lectures, class discussions.  Students are expected to keep up with reading and writing assignments in order to participate effectively in class.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies, Master of Arts in Hindu Studies
Please click on the link below to enroll into the Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta Program or the appropriate phase.

On the program page, there are multiple payment plan options to choose from.

Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies

,

Master of Arts in Hindu Studies

Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta

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Courses in the Program

  • SAN5101 Vedic Sciences Foundations
  • SAN5102 Vyakarana 01
  • SAN5103 Sahitya I – Landscape
  • SAN5104 Veda I – Introduction to Vedas
  • SAN6101 Nyaya Vaisesika Basic
  • SAN6102 Vyakarana II
  • SAN6103 Sahitya II – Padya
  • SAN6104 Vedas II – Rgveda
  • SAN6105 Yoga Basic
  • SAN7101 Nyaya Vaiseshika Advanced
  • SAN7102 Vyakarana III
  • SAN7103 Sahitya III – Nataka
  • SAN7104 Veda III – Yajurveda-Samaveda
  • SAN7105 Ayurveda Basic
  • SAN7106 Mimasa Basic
  • SAN7107 Jyotisha Basic
  • SAN8101 Term Project
  • SAN8102 Vyakarana IV
  • SAN8103 Sahithya IV – Gadya and Campu
  • SAN8104 Veda IV – Atharva Veda
  • SAN8105 Yoga Advanced
  • SAN8106 Mimasa Advanced
  • SAN8107 Jyotisha Advanced
  • SAN8108 Ayurveda Advanced
  • SAN8109 Vedanta Basic
  • SAN8110 Vedanta Advanced
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