LIB379
Classical Indian Philosophy: Sorrow, Self and Liberation
The question of sorrow (Pali dukkha) lies at the heart of Indian philosophical inquiry. Dukkha can be described as a state of psychological un-satisfactoriness, frustration, anxiety, loneliness and meaninglessness. For 5,000 years various philosophical schools have flourished in India. Although they differ in their approaches, their fundamental search has been the same: to understand suffering and be free from it. We will focus on two prominent schools: Brahmanical (classical Hinduism) and Sramana (Buddhism). We will examine their views on sorrow and also on self, causality, holism, liberation and ultimate reality.
A $50 discount will be applied automatically for adults 55+.
This course will be offered online on Fridays, Sep 13 - Oct 18, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced with weekly virtual class
Duration: 6 weeks
Tuition: $180
Can be applied to:
Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
- Fri, Sep 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Fri, Sep 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Fri, Sep 27, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Fri, Oct 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Fri, Oct 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Fri, Oct 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
Course outline
- Week 1: Introduction to classical Indian thought
We’ll consider fundamental questions in Hinduism and Buddhism related to sorrow, self, life and ultimate reality. We’ll look at the method of investigation and principle of negation, and the hymn of creation. - Week 2: Main doctrines of Upanishads
We will explore key concepts around changing and unchanging reality, self and its relationship to suffering. - Week 3: Introduction to Buddhism
We’ll explore Buddha on critical thinking, along with key concepts in Buddhism on suffering, impermanence, no-self, emptiness, dependent origination and ending of suffering. - Week 4: Exploration of psychological suffering
We’ll look at suffering as an existential condition of human existence, and explore the root cause of psychological suffering. You’ll also have a chance to reflect on the same in your own life. - Week 5: Concept of non-dualism
We’ll make a deeper exploration of the recurrent theme of non-dualism in Indian philosophy. Why is the concept of non-dualism so central to Indian thought? - Week 6: Philosophy of holism in Indian thought
We will explore the cause of current global crises—climate change, environmental problems, social injustice, poverty, global conflict, extremism and psychological suffering—from the holistic perspective.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Outline the core concepts of classical Indian thought, especially the recurrent theme of non-dualism
- Describe the similarities and differences between Hindu and Buddhist thought
- Discuss the cause of suffering from classical Indian perspective (psychological and philosophical) and be able to apply the same in your own life
- Discuss the relevance of the holistic approach to the present-day challenges of the world, such as climate change, inequality, disconnection, human conflict and mental health
How you will learn
- Participation in Zoom seminars
- Participation in written discussions with other students
- Academic and non-academic articles, and other online resources
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.