Capsule Course: Introduction to Vedic Philosophical Systems
FACILITATOR / INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Capsule : Introduction to Vedic Philosophical Systems
Duration: 8 Hours (4 sessions × 2 hours)
Pre-requisite: Open to all
Course Description
A concise introduction to the six classical darśanas (Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā, Vedānta) with emphasis on Vedānta schools (Advaita, Dvaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita) and Indian epistemology (pramāṇa). Learners compare key principles and explore contemporary applications.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the scope and distinct aims of each classical darśana.
- Differentiate Advaita, Dvaita, and Viśiṣṭādvaita approaches in Vedānta.
- Explain core pramāṇas (means of valid knowledge) in Indian epistemology.
- Apply philosophical insights to ethical and personal decision-making.
Curriculum
- Session 1: Overview of Six Darshanas (Samkhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, etc.)
- Session 2: Vedanta Schools – Advaita, Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita
- Session 3: Sankhya vs Yoga: Evolution of Consciousness
- Session 4: Indian Epistemology (Pramana Theory)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify major Vedic philosophical systems and their founders
- Understand the differences and complementarities among the darshanas
- Apply key philosophical principles to modern ethical and personal questions
Course Structure Overview
Session. Title Duration Delivery Mode Key Focus
1 Survey of Six Darśanas 2 hrs Live / Recorded Foundations & aims
2 Vedānta Schools 2 hrs Live / Recorded Advaita, Dvaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita, Traita
3 Sāṃkhya & Yoga 2 hrs Live / Recorded Cosmology & practice
4. Indian Epistemology 2 hrs Live / Recorded Pramāṇa theory
Session 1: Survey of Six Darśanas
Focus: Foundations & aims
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Comparative chart (Darśanas)
- Scriptures (Upaniṣads / Yoga Sūtra)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Topic overview and Context Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Key distinctions; exemplars Comparative analysis
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘Which view resonates and why?’ Individual writing
65-90 Practical Activity Case-study: ethical dilemma via two darśanas Small groups / debate
90–110 Group Sharing Synthesis & reflections Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read provided excerpts from primary texts (e.g., Īśa Upaniṣad, Yoga Sūtra).
- Write a 250-word reflection comparing two perspectives on a life choice.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Session 2: Vedānta Schools
Focus: Advaita, Dvaita, Viśiṣṭādvaita
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Comparative chart (darśanas)
- Scripture excerpts (Upaniṣads / Yoga Sūtra)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Topic overview and Context Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Key distinctions; exemplars Comparative analysis
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘Which view resonates and why?’ Individual writing
65-90 Practical Activity Case-study: ethical dilemma via two darśanas Small groups / debate
90–110 Group Sharing Synthesis & reflections Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read provided excerpts from primary texts (e.g., Īśa Upaniṣad, Yoga Sūtra).
- Write a 250-word reflection comparing two perspectives on a life choice.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Session 3: Sāṃkhya & Yoga
Focus: Cosmology & practice
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Comparative chart (darśanas)
- Scripture excerpts (Upaniṣads / Yoga Sūtra)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Topic overview and Context Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Key distinctions; exemplars Comparative analysis
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘Which view resonates and why?’ Individual writing
65-90 Practical Activity Case-study: ethical dilemma via two darśanas Small groups / debate
90–110 Group Sharing Synthesis & reflections Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read provided excerpts from primary texts (e.g., Īśa Upaniṣad, Yoga Sūtra).
- Write a 250-word reflection comparing two perspectives on a life choice.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Session 4: Indian Epistemology
Focus: Pramāṇa theory
Materials Required
- Slide deck
- Comparative chart (darśanas)
- Scripture excerpts (Upaniṣads / Yoga Sūtra)
Session Flow (120 minutes)
Time Segment Activity Method
0-10 Opening Invocation/centering; intention setting Om/Shanti mantra
10-30 Foundation teaching Topic overview and Context Mini-lecture + Q&A
30-50 Core Theory Key distinctions; exemplars Comparative analysis
50-65 Contemplation Journaling: ‘Which view resonates and why?’ Individual writing
65-90 Practical Activity Case-study: ethical dilemma via two darśanas Small groups / debate
90–110 Group Sharing Synthesis & reflections Facilitated circle
110–120 Closing Summary & homework Homework brief
Homework / Practice
- Read provided excerpts from primary texts (e.g., Īśa Upaniṣad, Yoga Sūtra).
- Write a 250-word reflection comparing two perspectives on a life choice.
- Attempt LMS quiz (8–10 items).
Suggested Readings & Resources
- Upaniṣads (selected passages) with reliable commentaries.
- Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali (introductory translations).
- Secondary: Handbooks on Indian philosophy and pramāṇa theory.
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:
- 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.
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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.