Draṣṭā // Course

Core Principles of Indian Philosophy - Bharatiya Darshana - Nastika and Astika

Diverse philosophical views shaped Bhārata’s spiritual core, and the guiding principles of these hold timeless wisdom. This course is an attempt to unlock the wisdom and potential of India’s ancient philosophies through implementation in our daily lives. To this end, the eleven Āstika and Nāstika darśanas of Bhārata; including Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Mimāṃsa, Yoga, Vedānta; and Ajñāna, Ājīvika, Cārvāka, Buddha Dharma, and Jain Dharma; will be examined systematically and comparatively.

29 Mar - 06 Apr 2025 Completed
About the Course Takeaways and Audience Know your Instructor

Overview

Sanātana Dharma provides answers to eternal questions in life. This program provides an overview and context to the enriching multifolds of Sanātana Dharma including the darśanas - six Āstika and five Nāstika darśana, which are beyond the widely assumed difference of a Supreme Being. Various similarities and differences in these darśanas will be highlighted, providing learners with the technicalities in our homegrown, Bhāratīya panoply of thoughts.

The learning content is rooted in the wisdom of Bhāratīya guru paramparās and Dhārmika scholars; and the aim is to provide a holistic understanding of the core principles in these Bhāratīya darśanas. The inherent quality of seeking characteristic of the Bharatiya ethos contribute to the diversity of Bhārata.

The course begins with an examination of the various types of pramāṇa, or means of knowing, defined in Bhāratīya schools of thought. From there, learners will delve into the central questions of human life and existence through the contemplative lens of various philosophers. Each darśana answers key questions about life and existence. Individuals and societies may accept or reject these answers. The intensity of authority that these answers take on, contribute to the inherent diversity of Bhārata. 

The focus will then be on the actual literature and thought process of the original great scholars, as opposed to modern-day weaponized identities. Learners will also understand why the notion that plurality was created or unified by either Abrahamic faith systems, or the Constitution of the Republic of India, is a problematic one.

Contents

Day 1

Context, Darśana, Pramāṇa - Right Knowledge :

Day 2

Ajñāna, Ājīvika, Cārvāka :

Day 3

Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Mimāmsā :

Day 4

Bauddha, Jaina, Yoga :

Day 5

Vedānta: sub-schools, Īśvara

Day 6

FAQs, Dharma :

Key Takeaways

Recognize

that Sanātana Dharma is not a monolith; but rather a vast, inclusive tapestry of human thought.

Understand

the vast spectrum of beliefs that Sanātana Dharma encompasses - from outright atheism, to theism and Bhakti Vedānta.

Learn

how Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are very much a part of the fabric of Sanātana Dharma, although they have been intentionally projected as distinct religions due to various political factors in the past and present.

Gain

a unified approach, which includes an understanding of the gamut of Āstika and Nāstika darśanas within the purview of Sanātana Dharma.

Who is this course for?

  • 1. Seekers: Individuals interested in exploring the fundamentals of Bhāratīya darśanas and their application in daily life. 2. Civilizational Enthusiasts: Those passionate about understanding and connecting with India's core civilizational values and their significance in modern times. 3. Young Thinkers: Young minds seeking to reconcile traditional wisdom with contemporary perspectives, and to find meaning and purpose in life. 4. Learners/Students of Philosophy: Individuals on a quest for gaining spiritual knowledge and self-awareness.

Know your Instructor

SN Sudharsan

SN Sudharsan

SN Sudharsan is a researcher of Indian Knowledge Traditions, focusing on Dharma, Bhāratīya Darśana, Advaita Vedānta, Varkari Sampradāya and Saṃskṛta. He has pursued in-depth research and studies in these areas, having completed 33+ programs over the past 5 years, from Chinmaya International Foundation and IIT-R.

SN Sudharsan is the author of an English novel as well as 4 English language translations and commentaries on Sant Sri Jnaneshwar Maharaj's literature. He is a self-learned polyglot with near-native proficiency across six languages - Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu and English, advanced levels in Sanskrit in addition to 5 more foreign languages.

He is a learning professional with 20+ years of experience across the academia, startup, and corporate sectors. His educational background is in linguistics, TESOL, law, and computer science engineering. He's also an accomplished singer and a former AIR artist, having won and performed in several national-level concerts, and stage programs.

SN Sudharsan lives in Chennai and is researching the history and future of Indian sociolinguistics in the context of Sanātana Dharma, to apply and crystalize it for the modern world through courses, writings, and talks.

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