Course

Unit 1

An Introduction to the Principal Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita – Inquiry into the mystery of nature – Sruti

versus Smrti – Sanatana Dharma: its uniqueness – The Upanishads and Indian Culture – Upanishads and Modern Science.

Unit 2

The challenge of human experience & problems discussed in the Upanishads – the True nature of Man – the Moving power of the Spirit – The Message of Fearlessness – Universal Man – The central problems of the Upanishads – Ultimate reality – the nature of Atman – the different manifestations of consciousness.

Unit 3

Upanishad Personalities – episodes from their lives and essential teachings: Yajnavalkya, Aruni, Uddalaka, Pippalada,Satyakama Jabala, Svetaketu, Nachiketas, Upakosala, Chakrayana Ushasti, Raikva, Kapila and Janaka. Important verses from Upanishads – Discussion of Sage Pippalada’s answers to the six questions in Prasnopanishad.

OBJECTIVES:

To give students an introduction to the basic ideas contained in the Upanishads; and explores how their message can be applied in daily life for achieving excellence.

Evaluation Pattern

*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports.

REFERENCES:

1. The Message of the Upanishads by Swami Ranganathananda, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
2. Eight Upanishads with the commentary of Sankaracharya, Advaita Ashrama
3. Indian Philosophy by S. Radhakrishnan, Oxford University Press
4. Essentials of Upanishads by R L Kashyap, SAKSI, Bangalore
5. Upanishads in Daily Life, Sri Ramakrishna Math,
6. Eternal stories of the Upanishads by Thomas Egenes and Kumuda Reddy
7. Upanishad Ganga series – Chinmaya Creations