Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme
Programme Description
This programme provides a broad academic survey of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo across a range of subjects. The programme introduces the learner to general information about Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and their works, and to five major subjects treated by Sri Aurobindo, each of which is examined over a three-week period. This programme is essential for any learner who wishes to study the higher Academic Programme in Sri Aurobindo's Thought but who has little or no background.
The five subjects studied during this programme are: Nationalism and the Indian Tradition, Social and Political Thought, Integral Philsophy; Integral Yoga, and Poetry of the Spirit.
To utilize this programme most effectively, learners should work on the course material approximately 7.5 hours per week to complete the readings and write assigned essays.
Description of Courses
Introduction
This one-week module will introduce the learner to the life and works of Sri Aurobindo, providing a general overview of the range of his writings and their character.
Nationalism and the Indian Tradition
This three-week module will introduce the learner to Sri Aurobindo's views about India and his work for the liberation of the country from British rule in the early 1900s. It also examines his views about the history and development of Indian culture and spirituality from the Vedic age up until the present. Readings include an early political article and speech, selections from his work The Foundations of Indian Culture, and selections from his commentaries on ancient spiritual texts.
Social and-Political Thought
This three-week module will introduce Sri Aurobindo's theory of social development and the ideal of human unity, as described in several key chapters of his major works, The Human Cycle and The Ideal of Human Unity. In addition to developing a basic understanding of the stages and principles of social development, it will consider how these are reflected in the contemporary political scene. It will examine such issues as the nature and stages of human development as expressed in forms of political unification, and the possibilities, obstacles, conditions, and nature of a spiritual age of mankind.
The Evolution of Consciousness
This three-week module will introduce several key concepts in Sri Aurobindo's philosophy and metaphysics as described in his metaphysical treatise, The Life Divine. In addition to developing a basic understanding of these fundamental issues of existence, it will consider the practical ramifications of these concepts for collective and individual life. It will examine such issues as the materialistic and spiritual views of existence; the concept of spiritual evolution and its implications for humanity's future and individual development; and the nature and possibilities of consciousness.
This three-week module will introduce several main principles that underlie Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga as described in several key chapters of his major text, The Synthesis of Yoga, as well as in several important articles and letters of his on the subject. In addition to developing a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of yoga, it will consider the practical ramifications of these concepts for collective and individual life. It will examine such issues as the relation between yoga and the natural process of evolution; the distinctions between material, mental, and spiritual life; the various systems of yoga; and the nature of their synthesis in the Integral Yoga.
This three-week module will introduce Sri Aurobindo's theory of poetry, as described in a key chapter of his major work, The Future Poetry, and examine a selection of his poems that reflect his view of the future trend towards mantric or spiritually-inspired poetry. A number of Sri Aurobindo's best-loved poems, and a selection from his epic poem, Savitri, will be examined in light of his theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are there any prerequisites for studying the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme?
Yes. You must have university-level skills in English reading comprehension and writing. You must successfully complete an entrance test on these skills.
2) What subjects are covered in the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme?
The Programme consists of a one-week introduction to the lives and works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and five three-week modules in the major subject areas that were treated by Sri Aurobindo: Nationalism and the Indian Tradition, Social and Political Thought, The Evolution of Consciousness, Yoga and Life, and Poetry of the Spirit.
3) Why should I study the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme?
The Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme is a fully facilitated programme. For each three-week module, the learner is provided with a facilitator who is an expert in the subject and who is available to assist and answer questions throughout the period of study. The facilitators will guide you through this overview by analysing samples of Sri Aurobindo's writings. The facilitator sets assignments and engages the learner in guided and in-depth discussions of the subject matter in a serious academic forum.
4) How many months does the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme last?
The programme must be completed within 16 weeks (i.e. one semester). Learners may start the programme at any time.
5) How much does the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme cost?
The fee for this Course currently is Rs.2000/-. Additional fees apply for applicants from outside India.
6) Is the Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies an accredited programme?
No. However, a certificate is issued to the learner when the programme has been successfully completed bearing the title of Sri Aurobindo Learner. The value of this certificate is that a learner with no formal knowledge of the thought and writings of Sri Aurobindo but who wishes to pursue the Academic Programme offered by the University can do so.
7) Can I choose my facilitator?
No. The Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies Programme is facilitated by a team of scholars specialising in the various subjects reviewed.
