Capsule Course: Sanatana Dharma & Reformist Movements

FACILITATOR / INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Capsule : Sanatana Dharma – Reformist Movements

Duration: 6 Hours (3 sessions × 2 hours)

Course Description

This capsule investigates the eternal framework of Sanatana Dharma and its dynamic re-interpretation through reformist movements from the 19th century onward. The lives and philosophies of key figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Dayananda Saraswati, and Sri Aurobindo are discussed.

Learning Objectives

  • Comprehend the foundational tenets of Sanatana Dharma.
  • Recognize the spiritual and socio-political challenges addressed by reformers.
  • Analyze the interplay between tradition and transformation.
  • Reflect on dharma’s adaptability and timeless values.

 Curriculum

  • Session 1: Eternal Principles – Karma, Rebirth, Dharma
  • Session 2: Colonial Encounters and the Rise of Reformers
  • Session 3: Swami Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswati & Aurobindo’s Vision

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand Sanatana Dharma as a perennial system
  • Learn how reformers balanced tradition and progress
  • Develop a historical and cultural appreciation of dharma’s evolution

Course Structure Overview

Session.               Title                                                                     Duration                   Delivery Mode                     Key Focus

1                                Sanatana Dharma: Foundations                                  2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                      Eternal principles and practices

2                                Colonial Encounter & Response                                2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                      Renaissance and critique

3                                Key Reformers                                                                 2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                      Dayananda,  Aurobindo, Vivekanand

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 and the environment.’
  • 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 (Zoom Class)  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. For live online course, one can enroll here.

  2. Self-paced digital correspondence (email based) and pre-recorded video courses can be opted  only by the Members . Members will be given a password to access the course/courses of their choice available during that period.  If you want to opt for self-paced digital correspondence or pre-recorded video courses,  you shall have to apply for any types of membership offered by  the VSVV.   

Commencement of Course:

  •  Live Online Courses: Once 60 registrations are received for a particular course, the start date of live online free course will be announced on the portal. We encourage you to regularly check the portal for updates.
  • Available Digital correspondence and Pre-recorded Video course can  be started at any time by the Members.