Syllabus
Courses offered under the framework of the Amrita Values Program:
22AVP501 Message of r Mt Amritanandamayi Devi
Amma’s messages can be put into action in our life through pragmatism and attuning of our thought process in a positive and creative manner. Every single word Amma speaks, and the guidance received in matters which we consider trivial are rich in content and touches the very inner being of our personality. Life gets enriched by Amma’s guidance, and she teaches us the art of exemplary life skills where we become witness to all the happenings around us keeping the balance of the mind.
22AVP502 Insights from the Ramayana
The historical significance of Ramayana, the first Epic in the world, influence of Ramayana on Indian values and culture, storyline of Ramayana, study of leading characters in Ramayana, influence of Ramayana outside India, misinterpretation of Ramayana by colonial powers and its impact on Indian life, relevance of Ramayana for modern times.
22AVP503 Insights from them Mahabharata
The historical significance of Mahabharata, the largest Epic in the world, influence of Mahabharata on Indian values and culture, story line of Mahabharata, study of leading characters in Mahabharata, Kurukshetra War and its significance, importance of Dharma in society, message of the Bhagavad Gita, relevance of Mahabharata for modern times.
22AVP504 Insights from the Upanishads
Introduction: Sruti versus Smrti, overview of the four Vedas and the ten Principal Upanishads, the central problems of the Upanishads, ultimate reality, the nature of Atman, the different modes of consciousness, Sanatana Dharma and its uniqueness, The Upanishads and Indian Culture, relevance of Upanishads for modern times, a few Upanishad Personalities: Nachiketas, Satyakama Jabala, Aruni, Shvetaketu.
22AVP505 Insights from Bhagavad Gita
Introduction to Bhagavad Gita, brief storyline of Mahabharata, context of Kurukshetra War, the anguish of Arjuna, counsel by Sri. Krishna, key teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, theory of Karma and Reincarnation, concept of Dharma, idea of the self and realization of the self, qualities of a realized person, concept of Avatar, relevance of Mahabharata for modern times.
22AVP506 Message of Swami Vivekananda
Brief sketch of Swami Vivekananda’s life, meeting with Guru, disciplining of Narendra, travel across India, inspiring life incidents, address at the parliament of religions, travel in the United States and Europe, return and reception at India, message to Indians about our duties to the nation.
22AVP507 Great Spiritual Teachers of India
Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Sri Buddha, Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
22AVP508 Indian Arts and Literature:
The aim of this course is to present the rich literature, culture of ancient India, and help students appreciate their deep influence on Indian life, Vedic culture, the primary source of Indian culture, brief introduction, and appreciation of a few of the art forms of India, arts, music, dance, theatre, paintings, sculpture and architecture, the wonder language, Sanskrit, and ancient Indian Literature.
22AVP509 Yoga and Meditation
The objective of the course is to provide practical training in YOGA ASANAS with a sound theoretical base and theory classes on selected verses of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and AshtangaYoga. The coverage also includes the effect of yoga on integrated personality development.
22AVP510 Appreciation of Kerala’s Mural Art Forms:
A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling, or another large permanent surface. In the contemporary scenario, Mural painting is not restricted to permanent structures and is being done even on canvas. A distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture. Kerala mural paintings are frescos depicting mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, principally in Kerala. Ancient temples, churches, and places in Kerala, South India, display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries CE when this form of art enjoyed Royal patronage. Learning Mural painting through the theory and practice workshop is the objective of this course.
22AVP512 Ancient Indian Science and Technology
Science and technology in ancient and medieval India covered all the major branches of human knowledge and activities, including mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, medical science and surgery, fine arts, mechanical, civil engineering, architecture, shipbuilding, and navigation. Ancient India was a land of sages, saints, and seers as well as a land of scholars and scientists. The course gives awareness of India’s contribution to science and technology.