Course Aim
A study of the texts of Advaita familiarizes a student with the primary sources of the system and decisively resolves the ambiguities and misconceptions that are likely to arise because of the dependence only on secondary sources. The system of Advaita has undergone a long period of evolution during which it had to face very powerful criticisms from other systems of Indian philosophy, both orthodox and heterodox. However, such criticism, whenever it happened to have a constructive dimension, has forced Advaitins to seek answers to them from time to time that has enabled them to make Advaita a rigorous system with unparalleled logical consistency. Thus Advaita has systematically kept out dogmatism.Such non-dogmatic growth was attained largely because of the critical spirit embodied in the texts written in the form of commentaries on earlier works and independent treatises. The composition of such texts in a continuous fashion has led to the preservation of the dynamism of the system and thus preventing it from stagnation. Human reasoning and scriptural authority have always been given their due place in Advaita and hence today, when it has the opportunity to interact with philosophies the world over, it has carved a niche for itself among the leading philosophies of the world.

Course Scheme
The course will be for a duration of 10 days – Dec 19th  to Dec 28th, 2007 (both days inclusive). The course aims at acquainting the student with the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta and the complexities of their nuances by means of the study of the original texts. It intends to outline the historical development of Advaita from the period of the Upanisads down to modern times. The contributions of Adi Sankara form the most important milestone in the development of the system. This development will be discussed through a study of three important Advaitic texts. They are:  The Drgdrsya-viveka of AdiSankara, The Upadesa-sahasri of AdiSankara , The Sarirakasutra-bhasya (selected Adhikaranas) of Adisankara

Participant Profile
The participants would be teachers in the Academic Institutions in the disciplines of Sanskrit, Philosophy, Indian culture and such related subjects, UGC and ICPR researchers, PG Students, Acharyas and Monks, Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) and also interested public.

Rewards
The participants can harness this knowledge from the texts and integrate it with their area of specialization and interest. This can result in developing text based innovative teaching methodologies, and identifying new areas for philosophical research. It could also inspire them to undertake deeper study into the texts in a rigorous way, which would indeed be a welcome development for the individuals as well as their institutions. Sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) will find greater clarity to strengthen their spiritual pursuit by accessing the original texts of these great Masters. The unique feature of the programme is the rare privilege of studying Adi Sankara’s works right at the place where he was born, the maternal ancestral home of Aryamba (the mother of Adi Sankara), where the Chinmaya International Foundation is located.

Faculty

1. Professor R. Balasubramanian, Formerly Chairman,
   Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi

2. Dr. G. Mishra, Professor, Department of Philosophy,
   University of Madras, Chennai – 600 005.

3. Dr. Goda Venkateswara Sastri, Traditional Scholar,
   Chennai.

Drgdrsya-viveka will be handled by Prof. R. Balasubramanian, Upadesa-sahasri by Dr. G. Mishra and Sarirakasutra-bhasya will be taught by Dr. Goda  Venkateswara Sastri.

Course Venue
Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), established in 1989, is a research centre for the advanced study in Sanskrit and Indology. It is a cross-cultural forum for the exchange of knowledge. Swami Chinmayananda visualized CIF as a bridge between the East and the West, science and spirituality and the pundit and the public.CIF is located at the birthplace of Adi Sankara at Veliyanad in Kerala, which is about 30 kms from the city of Ernakulam. Originally known as the Melpazhur Mana, and named by Swami Chinmayananda as Adi Sankara Nilayam, this is the home of Aryamba, the holy mother of Adi Sankara. Set in Kerala’s lush green and sylvan beauty, amidst sacred shrines and water ponds, Adi Sankara Nilayam has an ambience that is at once academic and divine.

Facilities At CIF
CIF is equipped with a well-furnished library, computer centre and residential accommodation with boarding facilities. It is an ideal place for learning, reflection, and retreat, as well as for conferences and conventions. CIF provides tutelage for Ph.D. students by a team of scholars of national repute. Erudite scholars on various branches of Sanskrit learning and Indian Philosophy are available for discussions and clarifications. CIF is a recognized research center by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.

Please Note

1. The medium of instruction will be English
2. Knowledge of Sanskrit though preferable is not a prerequisite.
3. Course material will be provided at the venue.
4. Participants must be prepared to put their full effort in the studies and academic discussions.
5. Sattvic vegetarian food and comfortable accommodation will be provided.
6. The programme will begin on 19th Dec 2007 in the forenoon and conclude on 28th Dec 2007 in the evening. Participants to positively arrive at the venue on 18th Dec night and plan their return journey only on the 28th Dec night or 29th Dec morning.

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