Conflict and Peace Studies

This area enriches the discipline of Conflict and Peace Studies by providing a Hindu perspective. By becoming more inclusive and pluralistic, conflicts at various levels can be approached more creatively. There are few contemporary studies on the Hindu perspective on conflict and peace. Most of these studies focus on the 20th century (particularly the latter half) Indian developments and juxtapose Indian thinking with dominant Western theories. The evolution of the Hindu thinking on these subjects, however, can be traced to the ancient period. One example would illustrate this point. India’s national emblem is inscribed with Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs), which is from the ancient scripture Mundaka Upaniṣad. This area of studies, hence, while exploring the Hindu perspectives on violence, conflict, and wars, will examine their origins, and assess an innovative paradigm on peacebuilding. Notably, rigid compartmentalization of disciplines is foreign to traditional Hindu thinking, though most of the available studies in this area attempt to understand Indian scholarship through rigid disciplinary boundaries. The courses in this area of study will address this critical gap. They will examine various facets of conflict and peace, study existing scholarship and dominant theories in the discipline, and explore the ancient Hindu wisdom, empowering students to develop an integrated perspective on conflict resolution and peacebuilding and apply their understanding in creative ways to contemporary conflicts and challenges facing humanity.

Planting Tree, Sustainability is Sanatana Dharma

Sustainability is Sanatana Dharma

CPS2003 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course explores how the modern quest for sustainability relates to the eternal search Read More
The Yoga of Global Transformation

The Yoga of Global Transformation

CPS2002 - This course explores how humanity can meet the ever-pressing challenge of global sustainability, that we all confront collectively. Read More
Global Sustainability

The Dharma of Global Sustainability

CPS2001 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course explores the impact of ancient Vedic Wisdom on the modern questions of Read More
International Politics - A Vedanta Perspective, Hinduism and Conflict Resolution

Hinduism and Conflict Resolution

CPS6502 - Though there is a vast literature on conflict and peace studies, the Hindu ideas are seldom factored in Read More
Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo

Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo

CPS7500 - Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950), argued that human society has evolved throughout history. His Read More
Human Rights - A Hindu Perspective

Human Rights: A Hindu Perspective

CPS7506 - Though its origin could be traced to the ancient and medieval periods, human rights as a concept and Read More
International Politics - A Vedanta Perspective, Hinduism and Conflict Resolution

International Politics: A Vedanta Perspective

CPS7507 - How does a Vedanta perspective widen our understanding of the current predicaments, and help us explore solutions to Read More
Arthasastra

Arthasastra

CPS6505 - Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra, written around 300 BC, is a text on statecraft, on political realism. It deals with various Read More
Gandhian Philosophy

Gandhian Philosophy

CPS7503 - The relevance of Mahatma Gandhi for the contemporary world, characterized by turbulence, is indisputable. Gandhi’s principles of Ahimsa Read More
Field-Based Learning Courses

Hinduism & Peace

An exploration of Hindu thought, particularly those elements which are relevant from a conflict resolution perspective. Read More
introduction to conflict and peace studies

Introduction to Conflict and Peace Studies

CPS 5501 An overview of conflict resolution and peace studies with a focus on the major theories and their application Read More