Acquire Insights into Sankhya Darshana with Sankhya Karika – Part I | HUA
This course series is dedicated to exploring Sankhya Darshana, a philosophy based on the Sanskrit text ‘Sankhya Karika’ of Ishvara Krishna. The course is divided into two parts, with this first course delving into the principles of Sankhya philosophy through an in-depth study of Karikas 1 through 30.
Sankhya Darshana is considered one of the earliest systems of thought that sought a permanent solution to the problems associated with the human condition, such as birth, death, old age, disease, and sorrow. It developed a profound epistemology of the cosmos and the place of human beings within that cosmos. Sankhya proposed that a proper understanding of the twenty-five Tattvas, the fundamental building blocks of the universe, would lead to a total and permanent solution to human suffering.
An understanding of the principles of Sankhya philosophy is extremely important to acquire a firm grounding in other Sanskrit texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, and other Vedic philosophical systems, such as Yoga and Vedanta. This course series aims to provide students with a deep understanding of Sankhya philosophy, which is often erroneously labeled as a dualistic atheistic system by many scholars.
No prior knowledge of Sanskrit or Sankhya philosophy is necessary to take this course. Each karika will be provided as a PDF file with Devanagari and Roman script along with word meanings and brief explanations. Additional supplementary reading material will also be provided in PDF form.
The course objectives include: a) understanding the fundamentals of Sankhya Philosophy, b) getting a thorough grasp of the technical Sanskrit terms required, c) acquiring the foundations to understand other texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, d) appreciating other schools of philosophy and being inspired to take a deeper study of Vedic systems, such as Vedanta, Mimamsa, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vaisheshika, and e) developing deep insights into the concepts of ‘mind’, ‘atma’, ‘ego’, ‘intellect’ and the creation of the universe.
The class structure includes a minimum of 1 contact hour of 90 minutes with one or more faculty every week. The class promotes discussion and debate based on self-study and reflection each week. While the content being discussed in each class will be concluded within 60 minutes, the discussion time will be free format and can continue for an additional 30 minutes maximum. Students will be expected to write small notes on the Karikas discussed, which should be based on their self-reflection on what they have learned and assimilated so far.
Overall, this course series aims to provide students with a deep understanding of Sankhya philosophy and its significance in other Vedic philosophical systems. Through the course, students will develop the foundations to explore other schools of philosophy and deepen their insights into the concepts of the mind, atma, ego, intellect, and the creation of the universe.
CONTACT — 407–205–2118
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EMAIL- saksham.mangwana@hua.edu
Address- 5200 Vineland Rd 125 Orlando, FL 32811
