Course Content:
This course provides an in-depth appreciation of the science and practice of Āyurveda, through a study of one of the core texts pertaining to the portions suggesting regimen for individuals corresponding to the different seasons. This primary text in Sanskrit will be discussed, along with some of the major commentaries on the source text.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the sensibility in the system of Āyurveda that customizes its prescriptions based on factors that impact the health and wellbeing of people.
- Assimilate the role and relevance of Āyurveda as a manual of holistic wellbeing.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of the Applied Vedic Science – Basic (Ayurveda)
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course provides an introduction to basic mathematical operations, the Indian way, through the text named Līlāvatī.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the methodology and approach of theorizing and calculating in the Indic system of mathematics.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of the Applied Vedic Science – Basic (Jyotisha)
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course introduces the portion of the Yogasūtras that defines and discusses the systematic means – sādhanā – of attaining the most exalted spiritual state and substantiates the process with reasons where necessary.
In this course students will be able to:
- Comprehend the means of attaining an exalted state of spirituality along with the systematic technical definitions of such means
- Logically understand the process presented in the Yogasūtras
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of the Applied Vedic Science – Basic (Yoga)
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course provides a survey of the science and practice of Ayurveda, through an overview of the key texts and contributions in the discipline. The concept of wellbeing, and not merely medication, that is central to Āyurveda is elucidated in the course.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the major contributors and their writings and commentaries that built up the applied science and knowledge system of Āyurveda.
- Assimilate the role and relevance of Āyurveda as a science of wellbeing.
- Recognize the different schools of Āyurveda based on their theories.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 Credit-Hours of Course work in the MA in Sanskrit / Masters’ Certificate in Sanskrit
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course provides a survey of the science and practice of Jyotiṣa, through an overview of the key texts and contributions in the discipline. A primer text in Sanskrit which discusses the categories of this science and how they are interpreted to provide insights related to their influences at different levels is studied in this course.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the scientific/ mathematic relevance of astronomy as essential for the study of astrology.
- Understand the major contributors and their contributions to scientific thought in the Indic knowledge system.
- Observe how the basic astrological elements have been derived and interpreted in the Jyotiṣa-śāstra.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 Credit-Hours of Course work in the MA in Sanskrit6 limbs / Masters’ Certificate in Sanskrit
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course provides a survey of the basic philosophical tenets of the different schools of Vedānta and introduces their primary sources. This course also provides the opportunity to study comparatively the respective commentaries of a principal Upaniṣad to aid the student in understanding the philosophical standpoints of these different schools.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the role of Vedānta in governing the Indic way of life.
- Understand the convergences and divergences of views among the different schools of Vedānta.
- Observe the multiplicity of interpretations of Vedic literature and the rationale behind such interpretations forming the basis of tenets propounded by the different schools of Vedānta.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 Credit-Hours of Course work in the MA in Sanskrit / Masters’ Certificate in Sanskrit
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course introduces the categories of Yoga with their respective definitions, based on the Yogasūtras of Patañjali along with its prominent commentaries.
In this course students will be able to:
- Assimilate the role and relevance of the system of Yoga through a comprehensive understanding of the mental and cognitive categories in the Yoga system
- Comprehend the definitions of the categories according to the Yoga system with elucidations from various commentaries.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 Credit-Hours of Course work in the MA in Sanskrit / Masters’ Certificate in Sanskrit
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Depending on the area of study, the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies prepares a student to become a teacher, a public intellectual, a spokesperson, a writer, and an expert ambassador in the ‘public square’. Anyone including, already employed professionals or prospective degree
students may apply to the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies. This Certificate Program is open to all, and there are no prerequisites enforced, other than the consent of the Program Director.
The Certificate Program in Hindu Studies may be earned by taking 6 courses in an area of study, for a total of 18 Quarter Credit hours.
- The Certificate Program in Hindu studies is targeted towards people who wish to develop deeper expertise in a specific area of Hindu thought, without pursuing a degree.
- Students have significant flexibility in the pace at which they complete their course credits i.e., some may take one course per quarter over six quarters, while others may be able to complete the certificate in two quarters
- Some certificate course credits may be transferable towards a Diploma or Degree program at a later stage
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The Bhagavadgita is a moksa-sastra, a sacred text that reveals the vision of the Upanisads. In that vision one is,
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This course will explore and demonstrate the use of the methods (prakriyas) used in the Upanisads to unfold the non-dual
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This is the second course in a two-part survey course that provides an overview of dharma literature from the Hindu
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The Brahmasūtras are aphorisms on Brahman. Along with the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavadgītā, they form a triad of foundational texts
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This two-part survey course provides an overview of dharma literature from ancient and medieval texts of the Hindu tradition. The
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This introductory seminar introduces students to the fundamentals of academic research and writing. A prerequisite for beginning graduate study, it
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In part-II of this two-part course, we shall consider the Mahābhārata’s reception in the commentaries and lived Hinduism, especially the
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To demonstrate how human rights concept and policy could be found in Hindu philosophy, and also how such a linkage
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A unique study abroad course that offers an authentic, transformative and enriching experience. This course is aimed at students of
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To explore methods to bridge the chasm between the practice of international politics and universal moral principles.
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The current mainstream narrative in western academia is that there are two kinds of Hinduism: traditional and neo and that
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In the colonial and postcolonial contexts, there have been many attempts both by Indians and western people to situate the
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In postcolonial scholarship, Edward Said’s work Orientalism can be considered a landmark text. This course helps students understand what Said
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To examine the core ideas such as state, war, and peace in the ancient text Arthashastra, a major treatise on
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To elaborate ideas of good governance and duties of a ruler towards his subjects and Dharma as enshrined in Śānti
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Distilled from the Upaniṣad, the Śrīmad Bhagavad-Gītā is a fundamental text of Hindu Dharma which has given rise to many
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This course introduces the theories of various anticolonial and postcolonial writers in order to create a framework for a critical
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Vedānta also known as the Upaniṣad, found at the end of all four Vedas, reveal the goal and purpose of
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The Vedas are the oldest body of sacred knowledge known to man. A bird’s eye view of the four Vedas,
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Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa is a classic story of human self-development focused on the relationship between the macrocosm (the kingdom) and the
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Aimed at intermediate and advanced students, this course provides a comprehensive overview of Mahābhārata scholarship, including textual and historical issues
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Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, the author of numerous commentaries and pedagogical tracts, is the seminal philosopher in Hinduism, especially its “advaita vedānta”
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What is the meaning of existence? What is the nature of truth? These were the questions asked by ancient Greek
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An overview of the unique programs, areas of study and courses offered by Hindu University of America. Preliminary reflection on
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The Certificate Program in Preparatory Sanskrit provides students a unique opportunity to learn Samskritam (aka Sanskrit in its anglicized form) at their own pace. No prior knowledge of Samskritam is assumed, and teaching starts with basic instruction in English. After successful completion of four courses of study, the student will be able to read and understand original texts like Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana without the need for translations.
It consists of simple and interesting lessons accompanied by pre-recorded audio for the initial two levels. Lessons include stories, puzzles, and glimpses of Samskritam literature along with an innovative method of language learning.
There are four 4-Credit Hour courses of study in this program titled in Sanskrit 1) Praveśaḥ 2) Paricayaḥ 3) Sikṣā and 4) Kovidaḥ. Each course of study typically takes 2 quarters i.e. 22 weeks and must be taken sequentially. The committed student may be able to complete the Certificate Program in 2-years, earning 16 credit hours in the process. This Preparatory Sanskrit Certificate will enable the student to pass the Sanskrit Language Proficiency Test (SLP), required for the Master’s Level Certificates in Sanskrit, which will be taught predominantly in the Sanskrit language.
The first course, Praveśaḥ will begin with English transliteration of Sanskrit script for the initial lessons and will include lessons for mastering the Devanagari script. Downloadable MP3 audio for the Praveśaḥ and Paricayah courses provide an opportunity for the students to listen to the audio develop their pronunciation of the Sanskrit language. As the students learn to access Sanskrit without the help of English, the transliteration will be phased out gradually.
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The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
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The Vedic knowledge systems of the Hindu traditions were supported by auxiliary systems called Vedāṅgas in understanding the form, structure,
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The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
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Jyotiṣa (loosely translated as astrology/astronomy), described as the eyes of the Vedas, uses mathematical calculations as tools for comprehending the
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The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
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In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
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In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
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In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
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Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
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Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
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Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
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Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
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Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. Like the
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As part of Hindu University of America’s commitment to ongoing community education, most courses available at the university including Graduate Division courses are open for registration from members of the community as continuing education students. Anyone including already employed professionals and prospective degree students may apply to any single course as a special student if they can demonstrate that they have the prerequisite preparation. They may discuss their preparedness to take any course with the course faculty or instructor.
- The continuing education stream of courses is targeted towards people who wish to learn ongoingly, without pursuing a specific degree or certificate.
- There are no prerequisites enforced, other than those required by the faculty, and anyone may register. We invite prospective students to try out a course or two and come back for more
- Courses taken as part of community education can be bundled together to earn certificates at a later stage.
The Bhagavadgita is a moksa-sastra, a sacred text that reveals the vision of the Upanisads. In that vision one is,
This course will explore and demonstrate the use of the methods (prakriyas) used in the Upanisads to unfold the non-dual
Who am I, really? Why am I here? Why do we suffer? Is there any solution to the problem of
The central problem of human life is twofold: morality and mortality. Given the certainty of death, is there a meaning
This is the second course in a two-part survey course that provides an overview of dharma literature from the Hindu
The Brahmasūtras are aphorisms on Brahman. Along with the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavadgītā, they form a triad of foundational texts
This two-part survey course provides an overview of dharma literature from ancient and medieval texts of the Hindu tradition. The
This introductory seminar introduces students to the fundamentals of academic research and writing. A prerequisite for beginning graduate study, it
An exploration of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy and select writings with a focus on the intersection of spirituality and practicality towards
In part-II of this two-part course, we shall consider the Mahābhārata’s reception in the commentaries and lived Hinduism, especially the
To demonstrate how human rights concept and policy could be found in Hindu philosophy, and also how such a linkage
A unique study abroad course that offers an authentic, transformative and enriching experience. This course is aimed at students of
An examination of the concept of nonviolence, its evolution and practice in various cultures and traditions.
Inspired by neo-humanism, the research university was to facilitate self-cultivation, aesthetic appreciation (especially through knowledge of classical antiquity), and a
To explore methods to bridge the chasm between the practice of international politics and universal moral principles.
The current mainstream narrative in western academia is that there are two kinds of Hinduism: traditional and neo and that
In the colonial and postcolonial contexts, there have been many attempts both by Indians and western people to situate the
Orientalism employs a technique termed “deconstruction.” In order to effectively and critically examine a colonial and postcolonial discourse, it is
In postcolonial scholarship, Edward Said’s work Orientalism can be considered a landmark text. This course helps students understand what Said
To examine the core ideas such as state, war, and peace in the ancient text Arthashastra, a major treatise on
To elaborate ideas of good governance and duties of a ruler towards his subjects and Dharma as enshrined in Śānti
Distilled from the Upaniṣad, the Śrīmad Bhagavad-Gītā is a fundamental text of Hindu Dharma which has given rise to many
This course introduces the theories of various anticolonial and postcolonial writers in order to create a framework for a critical
Vedānta also known as the Upaniṣad, found at the end of all four Vedas, reveal the goal and purpose of
The Vedas are the oldest body of sacred knowledge known to man. A bird’s eye view of the four Vedas,
Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa is a classic story of human self-development focused on the relationship between the macrocosm (the kingdom) and the
Aimed at intermediate and advanced students, this course provides a comprehensive overview of Mahābhārata scholarship, including textual and historical issues
Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, the author of numerous commentaries and pedagogical tracts, is the seminal philosopher in Hinduism, especially its “advaita vedānta”
In religious studies, bhakti is often described as devotion or intense feeling, and presented as “faith” in contrast to “reason.”
What is the meaning of existence? What is the nature of truth? These were the questions asked by ancient Greek
The intellectual movement known as historicism dominated the nineteenth century. At its simplest, it is the view that history is
This course teaches the fundamentals of textual criticism. Alongside a historical survey of scribal and editorial practices, we shall explore
Inspired by neo-humanism, the research university was to facilitate self-cultivation, aesthetic appreciation (especially through a knowledge of classical antiquity), and
Building on “Historical Methods and Sources,” this course introduces students to the philosophy of history, i.e., the philosophical inquiry into
As a mode of knowing, history has acquired unparalleled prestige. We now think that to know when, where and under
The Age of Enlightenment or, simply, the Enlightenment extended from the late seventeenth to the eighteenth century. This epoch had
German Indology, a field of inquiry that emerged in nineteenth-century Germany calls itself the “science of Indian antiquity” and “the
This course outlines the critical issues involved in the European understanding of Hindus and India, developed within the framework of
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text for understanding the world of Yoga. Using this text, the course will
To mainstream the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi towards developing a new and enabling perspective from Hindu philosophical tradition to make
An exploration of Hindu thought, particularly those elements which are relevant from a conflict resolution perspective.
An overview of conflict resolution and peace studies with a focus on the major theories and their application to contemporary
An overview of the unique programs, areas of study and courses offered by Hindu University of America. Preliminary reflection on
The Graduate Diploma in Sanskrit Studies (also called a Master’s Certificate) features immersive study of the Sanskrit language in Sanskrit medium, starting from basic familiarity, moving towards proficiency and takes the students deep into the world of mastery of Sanskrit. It enables the student in transitioning from being a Sanskrit enthusiast to a genuine scholar who can access and engage rigorously with the varied knowledge-systems rooted in Hindu thought, including the literary, spiritual and scientific literature embedded in the Sanskrit language.
Underscoring the importance of Sanskrit for the study of the source texts of the Vedas, Vedānta, Yoga, Āyurveda, and Śāstras in general, these Graduate Diploma Certificates focus on practice-oriented study, providing direct, unmediated access to these source-texts without having to rely on translations. It prepares the students to explore ancient and classical texts such as the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Purāṇas and the Prasthāna Traya with a commitment and concern for the wellbeing and future of humanity.
Each Graduate Diplomas is earned by taking 12 courses i.e. approximately 36 quarter credit-hours in the Sanskrit area of studies including a combination of mandatory and optional elective courses. Thes graduate diplomas target a level of academic accomplishment in between a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degrees.
- Eligible candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree and must demonstrate adequate proficiency in Sanskrit bypassing the Sanskrit Language Proficiency Test.
- Some course credits taken as part of continuing education or previously earned certificates may be transferred into a diploma program
- Some Diploma course credits may be transferable towards a Graduate Degree program such as a Master’s or a Doctoral Program.
- At the completion of Diploma Certificate I, students will have the option to finish their studies or proceed to take on Diploma Certificate II
The Vedic body of knowledge provides scope for different interpretations even when connected with the same objectives. Particularly, the last
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
The Vedic knowledge systems of the Hindu traditions were supported by auxiliary systems called Vedāṅgas in understanding the form, structure,
Jyotiṣa (loosely translated as astrology/astronomy), described as the eyes of the Vedas, uses mathematical calculations as tools for comprehending the
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. Like the
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. Like the
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
Epistemology is an important subject of study across several śāstras in the Indic knowledge tradition, in both Vedic and non-Vedic
The key features of the Navya-nyāya system of thought as it evolved in time to become the main pramāṇa-śāstra (loosely
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. The Ṛgveda
At the end of 36 Credit-hours of course work, students will have an adequate introduction to the subjects of study
In the Hindu knowledge traditions, the science of interpreting various Vedic injunctions and aphorisms, and methods of reconciling apparently conflicting
Two distinct systems of classification of world phenomena, i.e. ontologies have emerged from the Vedic thought called Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika.
India has its own highly systematized method of scientific discourse that is followed in all scientific texts, called śāstras. Every
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. The vast
Course content:
An overview of the central theme of the Vedas and their classification as Ṛg, Yajus, Sāma, and Atharva and structural classification as Saṁhitā, Brāhmaṇa, Āraṇyaka, and Upaniṣad along with a brief introduction to the allied literature of the Vedas are discussed in this course. The Hindu philosophy of life and worldview that intrinsically supports diversity and universal wellbeing, which has enabled the Vedic culture to sustain itself in the face of considerable adversity is also explored.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the landscape of Vedic and allied literature
- Understand the Vedic worldview through its philosophy of life
- Recognize Life as a continuous framework for the evolution of all beings of the world
- Reconcile seemingly conflicting and diverse ideas sustained by the Vedic culture
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Required
Prerequisites: Admission into the Masters’ Certificate or MA in Sanskrit Program
Faculty / Instructor: Prof M A Alwar, Prof Ramanujachar
Quarter Offered: TBD
Students who have completed the Graduate Diplomas in Sanskrit studies, at both level I and II, may be eligible to obtain a Master of Arts in Sanskrit studies, by writing a mini-thesis, under the supervision of one of the universities’ core doctoral faculty.
The Vedic body of knowledge provides scope for different interpretations even when connected with the same objectives. Particularly, the last
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
The Vedic knowledge systems of the Hindu traditions were supported by auxiliary systems called Vedāṅgas in understanding the form, structure,
Jyotiṣa (loosely translated as astrology/astronomy), described as the eyes of the Vedas, uses mathematical calculations as tools for comprehending the
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
In the Hindu literary tradition, literary compositions inculcate awareness and sensibility of Dharma in the minds of both the commoner
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī is a monumental work in the sūtra format (short aphorisms) that establishes the grammar for classical Sanskrit as
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. Like the
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. Like the
The wellbeing of the individual and society in the Vedic vision of the universe included both material and spiritual wellbeing.
Epistemology is an important subject of study across several śāstras in the Indic knowledge tradition, in both Vedic and non-Vedic
The key features of the Navya-nyāya system of thought as it evolved in time to become the main pramāṇa-śāstra (loosely
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. The Ṛgveda
At the end of 36 Credit-hours of course work, students will have an adequate introduction to the subjects of study
In the Hindu knowledge traditions, the science of interpreting various Vedic injunctions and aphorisms, and methods of reconciling apparently conflicting
Two distinct systems of classification of world phenomena, i.e. ontologies have emerged from the Vedic thought called Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika.
India has its own highly systematized method of scientific discourse that is followed in all scientific texts, called śāstras. Every
Vedic texts constitute the foundation of the worldview and way of life that informs Hindu life and culture. The vast
Course Content: This course involves the study of the epistemology of the Bhāṭṭa school of Pūrva-mīmāṁsā, propagated by Kumarilabhāṭṭa. The classification of cognitions and their implications along with how each type of cognition arises and how each type of cognition is distinct from the other is analyzed in a text called Mānameyodaya, prescribed for this course.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand and apply theories of empirical and non-empirical cognition.
- Appreciate the classification schema used by the Bhāṭṭa school of Pūrva-mīmāṁsā.
- Develop an appreciation for the intricate and precise nature of Hindu knowledge systems.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of the Mīmāṁsā Basic course
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course Content:
This course involves discussion of the tradition of contributions in the lineage of Pūrva-mīmāṁsā and provides the background of the hermeneutic nature of this knowledge system. The primer of Pūrva-mīmāṁsā named Arthasaṅgraha is the text of study used to develop an understanding of the foundations of the Pūrva-mīmāṁsā school of thought.
In this course students will be able to:
- Observe the evolving nature of Vedic knowledge systems through the range and scope for valid interpretation allowed and valued within the Vedic traditions
- Appreciate the intricate levels to which inquiry is carried out in the Vedic knowledge systems to arrive at conclusions that can stand up to logic and reason
- Apply and use the hermeneutic methods employed in Pūrva-mīmāṁsā in other knowledge systems and domains
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Required
Prerequisites: Admission into the Masters Certificate or MA in Sanskrit Program
Faculty / Instructor: TBD
Quarter Offered: TBD
Course content:
This course introduces the ontology and classificatory schema of the merged system of Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika as presented in the primer named Tarka-saṅgraha, which is reviewed with refined definitions and logical arguments using the Navya-nyāya terminology. Using a key commentary named Dīpikā, the course develops the system of definitions and logic, and the generation of the complex terminology and technical language which came to be regarded as a benchmark of intellectual expression across all Hindu śāstras.
In this course students will be able to:
- Understand the ontological schema of the universe according to the empirical / realist school of thought in the Vedic systems of Philosophy.
- Recognize how definitions are improvised and enhanced to obtain faultlessly accurate descriptions of various entities in the universe and their characteristics.
- Ability to work with i.e. sort and define entities and attributes of other knowledge systems and work domains.
Area of Study: Sanskrit Studies
Required / Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of the Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika Basic course
Faculty / Instructor: Prof M A Alwar
Quarter Offered: TBD
