Program Context

The PhD Program in Hindu Studies aims to enable students to engage in critical inquiry, evaluate received knowledge, and pursue novel, independent research to advance knowledge in Hindu Studies. The preparatory phases of the PhD Program will allow students to explore Hindu thought comprehensively, spanning its full breadth from its earliest texts (Vedas) to contemporary practices, emphasizing scriptures, philosophical schools, exegetic tradition, and ritual praxis. Students will acquire detailed and extensive knowledge, a deep understanding of Hinduism’s worldview, and the capacity for rigorous scholarship. They will master the primary sources of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and competence in the languages required to work with these primary texts in their original languages. They will develop philological competence and the ability to engage critically with manuscripts and the commentarial literature that constitute Hindu thought. They will gain the capacity for critical reflection on historical approaches and methods of study and integrate them as components into their research agenda, enabling a nuanced understanding of Hinduism’s evolution and contemporary relevance. They will critically examine the received knowledge on Hindu thought, culture, and civilization and question established narratives with careful observation and evidence in an atmosphere of academic excellence and freedom. Students will learn to carefully interrogate the ideas of tradition, modernity, progress, evolution, pluralism, spirituality, and self-discovery in the light of the truth-claims of Sanatana Dharma. They will explore the framework of ethics embodied in the concept of Dharma and its intersection with current trends in thought in one or more domains of philosophy, theology, religion, sciences, and the humanities. Students will demonstrate mastery of the content and methodologies of their discipline while taking responsibility for their continued learning and growth beyond the program or degree. The program will foster the students’ ability to engage with academic discourse, addressing criticisms of Hinduism and contributing to its study through rigorous, evidence-based responses and innovative perspectives. They will investigate the nature, causes, and impact of epistemic injustice and get prepared to engage in generative academic dialogue toward epistemic justice beyond their study. Through their program, students will demonstrate effective presentation, communication, and collaboration skills and embrace innovation and a leadership model committed to serving the greater good. The PhD ultimately seeks to enable scholar-practitioners of this Hindu Dharma, that is Sanatana, to participate meaningfully in academic and scholarly discourse.

The realms of Dharma and Moksha, Jnana, and Yoga are the unique dimensions of Hindu thought. These dimensions take us beyond material success, wealth, status, influence, and power in the temporal world. They take us into a deeper dimension of human possibility i.e., the spiritual or the Adhyatmika realm. In each of us lies dormant a need and a desire for deeper engagement with the world, to converse and communicate (Samvada), contribute, make a difference, and be of service in a profound and meaningful way. In each of us lies as yet unfulfilled the potential for leadership and global impact, sometimes even as yet unimagined. In every one of us, without exception, lies the possibility of going within, exploring the realms of deeper levels of consciousness, and transforming our connection and relationship with the cosmos itself. Hindu thought carries the seeds of a greater possibility, a deeper fulfillment and connection with the cosmos, a more profound self-expression, contribution, and service to humanity. The PhD Program in Hindu Studies is a quest, at once both intellectual and deeply spiritual, and a journey of profound personal transformation and scholarly contribution.

At the same time, Hinduism has gone through many centuries of

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