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Course Details

Vedanta Basic

$1,250.00

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Course Code:

SAN8109

Credit Hours:

2 Semester-Credit-Hours/ 3 Quarter-Credit-Hours

Course Level:

800

Area of Study:

Sanskrit Studies

Course Description

SAN8109 – Vedanta Basic course offers a foundational exploration of Vedānta, introducing key schools of thought—Advaita (Śaṅkara), Viśiṣṭādvaita (Rāmānuja), and Dvaita (Madhva). Students will examine how each tradition interprets core Upaniṣadic teachings and the philosophical frameworks that shape their perspectives. A special focus will be on Charcha Paddhati, the unique dialectical method that fostered Vedantic debate and refinement. Through comparative analysis of commentaries on the Īśāvāsyopaniṣad, students will gain insight into how different philosophical standpoints influence textual interpretation. This course provides a structured introduction to the intellectual richness of Vedānta, equipping learners with the tools to engage deeply with its profound wisdom.
Foundation of Vedanta
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Program of Study

This course is part of the following programs:

Division

Graduate Division

Required / Core / Elective:

Required

Prerequisites:

❖Admission into the MA Sanskrit Program.

❖Fluency in Sanskrit is required as the medium of Instruction is Sanskrit.

Semester / Quarter System:

Quarter

Number of Weeks:

10

Semester / Quarter Offered:

Winter 2026

Days of the Week:

Time:

Start Date:

End Date:

Faculty

Dr. Dhananjaya Dharur Rao

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Course Learning Objectives:

In this course students will be able to:

  • Explain the basic tenets of the different Vedānta schools and their basis of philosophical leanings.
  • Analyse the Charcha Paddhati (dialectical nature) of Vedāntic literature that promoted the growth of this literature, and establish the practice of Charcha Paddhati in various schools of philosophy.
  • Compare the interpretations of Īśāvāsyopaniṣad from the three renowned commentaries, and deduce the philosophical implications that lead to such interpretations by the three Āchāryas – Śaṅkara, Rāmānuja, and Madhva.
  • Dissect Charcha Paddhati of Vedāntic literature, and establish its role in promoting the growth of Vedānta as a philosophical tradition.
Foundation of Vedanta

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Course Content

Foundations of Vedānta
This course introduces the core principles of Vedānta, a central school of Hindu philosophy.

❖Origins & Foundations:

  • Definition and historical evolution of Vedānta.
  • Overview of primary source texts—the Vedas and Upaniṣads.
  • The ultimate goal: Mokṣa (liberation) as the highest pursuit.

❖Key Schools of Vedānta:

  • Advaita Vedānta (Non-dualism) – Śaṅkara’s view of Brahman as the sole reality, and Māyā (illusion).
  • Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta (Qualified Non-dualism) – Rāmānuja’s emphasis on Bhakti (devotion), grace, and surrender (Prapatti).
  • Dvaita Vedānta (Dualism) – Madhva’s distinction between Brahman and Ātman, with devotion as the path to liberation.

❖Debate & Interpretation:

  • Charcha Paddhati (Dialectical Method) – The role of structured debate in Vedāntic thought.
  • Comparative study of commentaries on the Īśāvāsyopaniṣad by Śaṅkara, Rāmānuja, and Madhva.
  • Analysis of key verses and interpretations, showcasing philosophical nuances.

❖Contemporary Relevance:

  • The impact of Vedānta on Hindu thought and its modern applications.
  • Resources for further study and deeper engagement with Vedāntic wisdom.

Class Structure

Each MAS course comprises 45 hours of teaching and with 2 quizzes and 2 assignments. The number of assignments and quizzes change subject to faculty discretion. Final exams for all courses conducted at the end of the semester.

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Master of Arts in Sanskrit
Please click on the link below to enroll into the Vedanta Basic Program or the appropriate phase.

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

Master of Arts in Sanskrit

Vedanta Basic

Courses in the Program