Advaita Vedanta

Learning Outcome:

Effectively analyze the nature of the human problem and the scope of knowledge and action as means (sadhana) for solving it.

Understand Advaita Vedanta’s epistemology and its relevance to the human problem.

Gain clarity on the Advaita view of reality and non-duality.

Learn the prerequisites for the knowledge of Advaita and the means to gain them.

Recognize and analyze the differences between some modern and ancient interpretations of Advaita. and the traditional view of Sankara.

The vision of Advaita Vedanta is that one, non-dual consciousness is the content of you, the world, and the cause of the world. It is both immanent and transcendent and can be known by a human being who has equipped himself/herself with the necessary prerequisites. This knowledge, contained in the Upanisads, releases the individual from the problem of human suffering.

In this course we will explore the nature and substance of this liberating knowledge through key dialogues in some of the major Upanisads, using as a guide the commentary of Sankara, Advaita’s seminal exponent.

We will also explore the qualifications required for this knowledge and the prescribed means for acquiring them. In conclusion, we will examine some competing views on Vedanta, including modern interpretations. The course is designed to introduce in a comprehensive but accessible way, the vision of Advaita Vedanta.

Required/Elective: Required

Prerequisites: Must have completed or been concurrently enrolled in Orientation in Hindu Studies

Start Date: July 17, 2022

End Date: September 18, 2022

Day: Sunday

Time: 09:00 am EST – 12:00 pm EST (6.30 pm IST – 9.30 pm IST)

Quarter Offered: Summer 2022

Introduction to Bhagavadgita

Learning Outcome:-

Gain a comprehensive and consistent overview of the Bhagavad Gita as both a moksha-shastra and a yoga-sastra.
Understand the scope and relevance of the pursuits of knowledge and action in the Bhagavadgita.
Be able to resolve paradoxes and seemingly competing viewpoints in the verses.
Gain clarity on the meaning of moksa, karmayoga, bhakti, and meditation, in the Gita.
Discern some of the paradigms that underlie various interpretations of the Gita.

The non-dual vision presented in the Gita has its origin in the Upanishads, where it is revealed through a teacher-student dialogue. Consistent with this, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are delivered through a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Unlike the Upanisads, the Gita discusses at length the participants in this dialogue.

The Gita also goes much further than the Upanisads in expanding the discussion of the philosophical teachings, approaching them from a variety of perspectives, sometimes precipitated by a question from Arjuna. Its uniqueness, however, lies in its elaboration of the necessary conditions for understanding its core teaching, and the means, including Ashtanga Yoga, for creating those conditions.

Our inquiry into the vision of the Bhagavad Gita presented in this course is based on the commentary of Sankara, the principal exponent of non-duality, advaita. Sankara’s is the earliest extant commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, and arguably the most consistent, as will be demonstrated in the course introduction to Bhagavadgita. of our study through an examination of paradoxical verses. As we proceed, we will also gain a clear understanding of the meaning of moksha, karma yoga, bhakti, and meditation, as presented in the Gita. And throughout the course, we will see, over the shoulders of Arjuna, the relevance of the teachings of the Gita to our lives today.

Required/Elective: Required

Prerequisites: Admission to the program of study/Must have completed Orientation to Hindu Studies or Concurrently enrolled in OTHS.

Faculty/Instructor: Swamini Agamananda Saraswati

Quarter Offered: Fall 2021

Area of Study:- Hindu Studies Foundation

Start Date:- October 9, 2021

End Date:- December 19, 2021

Day:- Saturday & Sunday

Time:- 03:00 pm EST – 04:30 pm EST

Hindu University of America

Faculty: Dr. Swamini Agamananda Saraswati

Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta

Learning Outcome:

Introduction to Bhagavadgita

Introduction to Bhagavadgita

Learning Outcome:-

Be Part of The HUA Community

Hindu University of America

Links

Social