About The Course
This course introduces learners to the essence of Indian knowledge systems and the philosophical ideas that shape them. It presents knowledge as a living tradition that has evolved over time and continues to influence fields like science, arts, and culture. By connecting ancient wisdom with present-day contexts, the course helps students understand how these ideas remain relevant in everyday life and modern disciplines. Designed as a foundational course for all streams, it encourages a holistic way of thinking and prepares learners for deeper exploration of Indic knowledge and philosophy.
Syllabus
- Unit 1: Knowledge and its Paradigm in Indian Knowledge Tradition
- ● Importance and stature of knowledge in the Indian world
- ● Foundations of knowledge: the Vedas
- ● Caturdaśa-Vidyāsthānas (excluding 4 Vedas)
- ● Catuṣṣaṣṭi-Kalās
- ● Structure and content of the four Vedas
- ● Vedangas: Śikṣā, Nirukta, Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, Chandas, Kalpa
- Unit 2: Indian Knowledge in Practice and Application
- ● Upavedas and applications: Āyurveda, Gāndharvaveda, Dhatuvada
- ● Applied sciences: Temple architecture, Town planning
- ● Specialized knowledge systems: Gandha-śāstra, Alekhyavidya, Ratna-parīkṣa, Yantra-mātr̥kā
- Unit 3: Foundations of Indic Thought and Logical Inquiry
- ● Understanding the nature of philosophy and the necessity of its study.
- ● Defining Indic and Bhāratīya thought and tracing its Vedic roots.
- ● An overview of the Darshanas (philosophical schools) and the distinction between the Darshanas and the general "Indic Philosophy of Life".
- ● Exploring the cycle of desire and fulfilment and the main objectives of human life.
- ● Identifying the Sources of Knowledge and the role of the Vedas in the Indic tradition.
- Unit 4: Understanding Our Universe: Ontological and Societal Frameworks
- ● Understanding the nature of Brahman or Consciousness, theories of creation, Puruṣa and Prakṛti, the Triguṇas, and the Pañcabhūtas (Five elements).
- ● Exploration of the 3 Śarīras (bodies), 5 Koshas (sheaths), the bodies of transaction and experience, and the different states of experience.
- ● Mastery of the 4 Puruṣārthas, understanding Karma (deeds), Vāsanas (Knowledge derived from memory), and Ṛṇas (Debts), and the concepts of Time (Kāla) and Space (Lokas), including Svarga (heaven), Naraka (hell), and Mokṣa (liberation).
- ● Understanding Dharma, the concept of Yajña (Sacrifice), and the Varṇa-Āśrama system.
- ● Exploring different types of Dharma, the role of women, and the narrative lessons from the Story of Dharma Vyādha.
- Unit 5: Personal Transformation and Modern Relevance
- ● Techniques for transcending human nature through the Nivṛtti and Pravṛtti Mārga.
- ● The significance of the 16 Samskaras, worshipping the divine (Śraddhā/Bhakti), the role of the Guru and Devatā, and the purpose of the Temple (Devālaya).
- ● The power of Storytelling and the importance of Puranic concepts in conveying complex philosophical truths.
- ● The role of specialized knowledge systems like Āyurveda and Jyotiṣa in human life.
- ● The core philosophy of the Bhagavad Gītā and a concluding analysis of the relevance of Indic philosophy in today's world.
More Information
- Learning Objectives
- ● Provide a clear and engaging understanding of Indian knowledge systems and their structure
- ● Introduce learners to the core ideas of Indic philosophy and their influence on life and culture
- ● Recognize the relevance of traditional knowledge in modern academic and professional contexts
- ● Encourage a broader and more integrated way of thinking about knowledge, beyond disciplinary boundaries
- Intended Outcomes
- ● Able to explain the structure and classifications of IKS, from the overarching philosophy to specific traditional arts and architecture.
- ● Recognize and value the historical technical achievements of Indian thinkers in fields like mechanics, seeing them as precursors to modern innovation.
- ● Have a profound exposure to the concepts that influence the Bharateeya way of life, expanding your ability to think critically and ethically.
- ● Confidently bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern needs, applying a holistic perspective to the challenges you will face in your career and life.
