ASN 2013 Hinduism: Karma, Yoga, Nirvana
This course explores the culturally rich and religiously complex world of Hinduism. Through our exploration, we will seek to understand some of the most significant experiences and concepts found within this four thousand year old tradition of Indian philosophy and religious practice. We will discuss themes relevant to the nature of reality, self and cosmos,language and revelation, the quest for spiritual liberation, rebirth, yoga, devotion, nonduality karma, mystical consciousness, gods and goddesses, warriors and gurus. In our search for meaning in Hindu religious and cultural experience, we will give particular attention to both ancient and modern Indian thinkers, and the intersections of India?s ancient spiritual traditions with the modern world. Readings will be drawn from primary source texts in translation including the Rig Veda, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutra as well as supplementary readings on the classical epics, mythology, tantric ritual and yoga manuals, devotional poetry, and philosophical works.