Capsule Course: Essence of Upanishad and Self-Inquiry

FACILITATOR / INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Capsule :Essence of Upanishad and Self-Inquiry

Duration: 6 Hours (3 sessions × 2 hours)
Audience:
Those who have interest in spirituality,  Yoga, and Philosophy
Course Description

This capsule explores select teachings from the Upanishads as a framework for self-inquiry, understanding the nature of reality, and discovering inner peace. Learners reflect on key concepts like Brahman, Atman, and Maya through the lens of ancient wisdom.

Learning Objectives

  • Interpret Upanishadic teachings through the lens of self-inquiry.
  • Understand Brahman as the ultimate reality and Atman as the individual self.
  • Apply the concept of Maya to understand the illusionary nature of the world.
  • Cultivate inner peace and self-awareness through contemplation and meditation.

Curriculum

  • Session 1: What is Upanishadic Wisdom?
  • Session 2: Mahavakyas and the Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga)
  • Session 3: Self-Inquiry Practice – Who am I?

Learning Outcomes

  • Comprehend the philosophical essence of Upanishadic teachings
  • Understand the Mahavakyas and their transformative implications
  • Practice guided self-inquiry as a tool for self-awareness 
  • Interpret core teachings of the Upanishads from the perspective of self-inquiry.
  • Apply the concepts of Brahman, Atman, and Maya to understand reality.
  • Cultivate inner strength and mental stability through self-awareness.

Course Structure Overview

Session.               Title                                                                     Duration                   Delivery Mode                       Key Focus

1                                Introduction to Upanishads                                         2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                        Understanding Ultimate Reality

2                                Understand the Mahavakyas                                        2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                        Path of Knoweldge

3                                Self-Inquiry and Liberation                                          2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                        Discovering Inner Peace

Facilitator’s Spiritual Grounding

  • Invoke your lineage (Guru-parampara) or personal Ishta Devata before the session.
  • Anchor the session with a brief sankalpa: ‘May this knowledge serve the welfare of all beings.’
  • Maintain a compassionate, non-judgmental tone; honor śraddhā (faith) and viveka (discernment).

Learner Engagement Tips

  • Begin with a short invocation or 3 rounds of Om; end with a Shanti Mantra.
  • Use Sanskrit terms with clear English gloss; invite questions with humility.
  • Incorporate dyads (pair-sharing) and brief journaling to deepen reflection.
  • Leverage breakout rooms (for live) or forum prompts (for LMS) for peer learning.Assessment Plan

          Type                                                        Method                                                                           Purpose

             Reflection                              Short journal entry or verbal check-in                                           Gauge insight and personal integration

             Quiz                                        MCQ (8–10 items) per course                                                        Check understanding of key concepts

             Certificate                             Attendance + quiz ≥ 60% + assignment                                        Eligibility for e-Certificate

Post-Course Wrap-Up

  • Share slides, recordings (if any), and reading list PDFs.
  • Collect feedback via LMS form; compile insights for course improvement.
  • Suggest next-step pathways (advanced capsule or full program).

Course Fees: 

  1. All live online Capsule courses are offered free of charge. Participants are welcome to make voluntary donations at our donation page during or after the course to support its continuation and delivery.
  2. All digital (email based) and pre-recorded video courses are offered for a nominal fee to support digitization efforts and associated operational costs.

Registration and Commencement of Course:

  • Live online course: Registration is required to enroll. Once 60 registrations are received for a particular course, the start date will be announced on the portal. We encourage you to regularly check the portal for updates.
  • Digital correspondence (email based) and Pre-recorded Video courses: Registration is required to enroll. Upon successful enrollment, the course will begin promptly.
  • Upon successful registration of digital (email based) courses, participants will start receiving lectures and course material through email.
  • Upon successful registration of pre-recorded courses,  participants will receive a secure link granting access to the video-based  lectures.