Where Academic Excellence Meets Spiritual Wisdom

Course description

The course explains the place of the Upanishads in Indian religious literature and provides an insight into the text of some Upanishads such as Ishopanishad and Kalisantaranopanishad. It also demonstrates how contemporary Vedic scholars, through modern commentaries on the Upanishadic texts, offer solutions to the problems of contemporary society, such as violence, hunger, and humanity’s harmful impact on the environment. 

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to 

• explain the role of the Upanishads in Vedic literature;
• explain the main concepts covered in the course;
• see the historical and modern application of the teachings of the Upanishads in everyday practice;
• understand the principles by which the commentaries convey the knowledge contained in the Upanishads to the audience of the time.

Course Outline

Session 1

The meaning of the word ‘Upanishad’. Various classifications of the Upanishads. 

Session 2 

The main Upanishads. 

Session 3

The Vedanta philosophy and its different schools. 

Session 4

Teachings for the Modern Age. The Kalisantaranopaishad. 

Session 5

The Ishopanishad. 

Session 6

The Structure of the Ishopanishad. 

Session 7

Ishopanishad I-III. 

Session 8

Ishopanishad IV-XIV. 

Session 9

Ishopanishad XV-XVIII. 

Session 10

Answering the Questions.

Reading Materials and Resources

​​​Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, A. C. 2001. Śrī Īśopaniṣad. S.l.: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. 

​Delmonico, Neal, and Lloyd W. Pflueger. 2017. Īśopaniṣad: The Secret Teaching on the Lord. Kirksville: Blazing Sapphire Press. 

​Bhānu Swāmī (transl.). 2006. Īśopaniṣad: with the commentaries of Madhvā-cārya, Vedānta Deśika, Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. Chennai: Sri Vaikunta Enterprises. 

​—. 2020. Aitareya, Kena, Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad: With brief commentary of Raṅga-rāmānuja. S.l.: s.n. 

​—. 2020. Bṛhad-āraṇyaka Upaniṣad: With brief commentary of Ranga-rāmānuja. S.l.: s.n. 

​—. 2020. Chāndogya Upaniṣad: With brief commentary of Raṅga-rāmānuja. Chennai: Ratna Offset Printers. 

​—. 2020. Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad & Kathopaniṣad: With brief commentary of Raṅga-rāmānuja. S.l.: s.n. 

​—. 2020. Māṇḍūkya, Praśna, Taittirīya Upaniṣad: With brief commentary of Raṅga-rāmānuja. S.l.: s.n. 

​Bhakti Prajnan Yati. 2003. Twelve Essential Upanishads Vol. II. Sree Mayapur: Mayapur Sri Chaitanya Math. 

​—. 2000. Twelve Essential Upanishads Vol. I. Calcutta: Sri Caitanya Research Institute. 

​Śyāmasundara Dāsa. 2025. The Upaniṣads. Budapest: Bhaktivedanta College. 

​​​Assignments and Assessments

By the fifth class, students are required to prepare at least 20 written questions on the study notebook and Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda’s book Śrī Īśopaniṣad. Answers to these questions will be discussed and provided during class. 

The course will conclude with an oral examination, which will be held during the designated examination period. 

Teacher’s contact information

Zoltán Bakaja – Shyamasundara Dasa
[email protected]

Course Description 

This ten-session course provides an in-depth exploration of the Ramayana, one of the most significant epics in Indian literature. The course will examine the cultural, theological, and philosophical aspects of the Ramayana, as well as its impact on Asian culture. Students will engage with the text, explore key characters, and reflect on the timeless lessons conveyed through the narrative. The course offers a balanced approach that combines literary analysis, cultural study, and spiritual reflection. 

Learning Objectives 

Students shall be able to

• articulate the central themes of the Ramayana and draw parallels between the epic’s teachings and contemporary ethical dilemmas;
• explain the complexities and transformations of key characters and how the virtues and flaws of these characters can offer insights into personal growth and leadership qualities in everyday life;
• identify timeless teachings and principles within the work, integrate these concepts into personal belief systems and decision-making processes, enhancing spiritual and moral understanding in practical contexts;
• reflect on the cultural impact of the Ramayana across Asia and its relevance to modern society, identify how the teachings and narratives of the Ramayana can be applied to foster cultural understanding, empathy, and ethical behavior in daily interactions; 
• employ research and analytical skills to critically assess other literary and cultural texts, enhancing overall academic and intellectual capabilities. 

Course Outline 

Session 1: Introduction to the Ramayana – Historical and Cultural Context  

• The place of the Ramayana among Vedic scriptures.
• The philosophical, religious and cultural impact of the Ramayana across Asia.
• Valmiki: The author and his significance.
• Overview of the Ramayana’s seven books, the epic’s structure and themes.
• The reader’s attitude: How to approach the text. 

Session 2: The Complex Personality of Ravana 

• Ravana’s character: A study of ambition, power, and downfall.
• The demoniac nature according to the Bhagavad-gita.
• The story of Jaya and Vijaya: The origins of Ravana.
• The five curses that set the stage for the Ramayana.
• Exploring the concept of karma and destiny in the Ramayana. 

Session 3: The Theology of God’s Avataras 

The theology of Vishnu’s descent. Ramacandra as one of the Dashavataras.  

Session 4: Kaikeyi, Dasharatha, and Manthara: The Turning Point 

• The Ikshvaku dynasty.   
• Character studies of Kaikeyi, Dasharatha and Manthara.
• The pivotal moments leading to Rama’s exile.
• The impact of emotions on decision-making. Regret and the consequences of impulsive actions. Rational thinking in emotionally charged situations.
• Exploring the interplay between divine will and human action.
• The power of association: How relationships shape destiny. 

Session 5: The Four Brothers: Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna 

• Character studies of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. 
• The bond between the brothers and its significance.
• The concept of duty and the power of integrity.
• Lessons on leadership, loyalty, and sacrifice.
• Unfounded doubt and negative assumptions: Lessons on perception and trust. 

Session 6: Kshatriyas and Brahmanas  

• Analysis of the social structure and its impact on the narrative.
• The relationship between power and wisdom.
• The cultural importance of hospitality and service to others in Vedic society.
• The guru’s role in society: unconditional obedience and respect. 

Session 7: Sita and Shurpanakha and the Challenges of Desire 

• Exploring the portrayal of women in the Ramayana. The relationship between men and women in Vedic society. 
• The character and trials of Sita: Devotion, resilience, virtue, and compassion.
• The character of Shurpanakha: Desire, rejection, and revenge. 

Session 8: Jatayu 

• Jatayu’s sacrifice: Commitment, bravery, loyalty and sacrifice.
• Philosophical reflections on death and suffering.
• The concept of life beyond death: Karma and reincarnation. 

Session 9: Hanuman, Sugriva, and Vibhishana: Allies and Virtues 

• The character of Hanuman: Devotion, courage, loyalty and determination.
• Sugriva and Vibhishana: : The importance of righteous alliances.  
• The destructive nature of ingratitude and betrayal. 

Session 10: The Battle and Rama as the Ideal King 

• The battle of Lanka: Strategies, challenges, and the final confrontation.
• The downfall of Ravaṇa: The triumph of good over evil.
• Rama as the perfect king: Ideal leadership. 

Reading Materials and Resources: 

Vidvān Gaurāṅga Dāsa (trans.): Śrī Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa Canto 1-3. Rūpa Raghunātha Vāṇī Publications. 2019-2022. 

Martins, Demian (trans.): Mūla-rāmāyaṇa. The Original Rāmāyana As narrated by Nārada to Vālmīki. Vṛndāvana, Jiva Institute, 2015. 

Krishna Dharma: Ramayana. India’s Immortal Tale of Adventure, Love and Wisdom. Los Angeles: Torchlight Publishing, 1998. 

Assignments and Assessments

In-class presentation focused on a specific character and theme from the Ramayana, designed to enhance research, presentation, and digital content creation skills while deepening the understanding of the epic. 

Character Focus: Provide a comprehensive overview of a chosen character, including their background, key traits, and major contributions to the story. 

Theme Exploration: Examine how this character’s actions, motivations, and relationships illuminate the chosen theme. Discuss the significance of this theme within the context of the Rāmāyaṇa and how it reflects the values of the society depicted in the epic. 

Assessment Criteria: Content Understanding, Presentation Quality, Research and Evidence, Delivery 

Teacher’s contact information

Márta Magyar – Manjari Devi Dasi
[email protected]

Course Description

The Indus Civilization flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd millennium BC and had significant trade relations with Mesopotamia and the people of the Persian Gulf region. However, due to its still undeciphered writing system, we know much less about this early civilization than about the ancient Middle East or Egypt. To understand it, we have to rely on the tools of archaeology. The course provides an opportunity for students to get to know the characteristic finds of the Indus Civilization and their possible interpretations. Theories regarding the origin, social structure, production methods, trade and ideology of this ancient civilization will be presented. At the end of the course, we will talk about issues that are still debated and have an impact on our present-day image of modern South Asia. 

Learning Objectives

1: Students will be able to recognize the typical findings of the Indus Civilization and explain their possible interpretations. 

2: Students will be able to explain the theories regarding the origin, social structure, production methods, trade and ideology of the Indus Civilization. 

Course Outline

Session 1  

The Importance of the Indus Civilization. 

Session 2

Discovery, Origin and Chronology. 

Session 3

The Harappan Cities. 

Session 4

Crafts and Craftsmen of the Indus Civilization. 

Session 5

Trade and Maritime Activities. 

Session 6

The Indus Belief System. 

Session 7

The Indus Writing System. 

Session 8

Decline and Resilience in the Indus Valley. 

Session 9

Peoples of the Indus Valley. 

Session 10

The Indus Heritage. 

Reading Materials  

• Kenoyer, Jonathan Mark 1998: Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

• Possehl, Gregory L. 2002: The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. New Delhi: Vistaar Publications. 

• Wright, Rita P. 2010: The Ancient Indus: Urbanism, Economy, and Society. New York: Cambridge University Press. 

Other Resources 

• Abraham, S. A., Gullapalli, P., Raczek, T. P., & Rizvi, U. Z. (Eds.) 2013: Connections and Complexity: New Approaches to the Archaeology of South Asia (1st edition). Routledge. 

• Clark, S. R. 2017: The Social Lives of Figurines: Recontextualizing the Third-Millenium-BC Terracotta Figurines from Harappa. 

• Frenez, D., Jamison, G. M., Law, R. W., Vidale, M., & Meadow, R. H. (Eds.) 2018: Walking with the Unicorn. Social Organization and Material Culture in Ancient South Asia. Archeopress. 

• Guha, S. 2014: Heritage, Archaeology and the Indus Civilization. In D. N. Jha (Ed.), The Complex Heritage of Early India. Essays in Memory of R. S. Sharma (pp. 39–72). Manohar. 

• Meskell, L. 2019: “Save Archaeology from the Technicians”: Wheeler, World Heritage and Expert Failure at Mohenjodaro. International Journal of Cultural Property, 26(1), 1–19. 

• Parpola, A. 2018: Indus Seals and Glyptic Studies: An Overview. In G. Jamison, M. Ameri, S. J. Scott, & S. K. Costello (Eds.), Seals and Sealing in the Ancient World: Case Studies from the Near East, Egypt, the Aegean, and South Asia (pp. 127–143). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge Core. 

• Thapar, R., Witzel, M., Menon, J., & Friese, K. 2019: Which of Us are Aryans?: Rethinking the Concept of Our Origins. Aleph. 

Assignments and Assessments 

Grades will be determined based on an oral or written exam conducted during the examination period. Students can prepare for the exam using the class lectures, the assigned literature, and the PowerPoint presentations provided. 

Teacher’s contact information

Dr. Rita Jeney – Amritananda Devi Dasi
[email protected]

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to enable students to have a clearer understanding of their inherent nature, talents, passions, and values, to ultimately assist them in making an informed decision on which type of career would best suit them. By exploring the principles outlined in Career Dharma by Urmila Edith Best & Ruchira S. Datta, students will learn how to make informed decisions about their professional paths, ensuring fulfillment and purpose in their work. 

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to 

• Identify examples of careers within four fields of work;  

• Give examples of careers that include the opulences found in the world; 

• Find and prioritize their top 10 values; 

• Decide what career best matches their nature and explain why it is important to work according to one’s inherent nature; 

• Explain what the shades of ego are and how they affect one’s work. 

Course Outline

Session 1 – Introduction 

• Overview of course goals, key terminology, and structure. 

• Icebreaker: Getting to know fellow students and their career interests. 

• Introduction to core reading materials. 

• Group discussions on personal hobbies, passions, and career aspirations. 

Session 2 – The Four Fields of Work  

• Introduction to the four broad fields of work: Ideas, Government, Resources and Artistry. 

• The importance of working according to one’s nature. 

• Characteristics of individuals thriving in each field. 

• Career examples from each field. 

Session 3 – Consequences of Working in an Unsuitable Field 

• Examination of the effects of working in fields that do not align with one’s nature. 

• Twelve specific examples of the consequences of each of the four fields crossing into other fields. 

Session 4 – The Six Types of Opulence 

• Exploration of wealth beyond money.  

• Looking at the 6 types of wealth that can be found in this world. 

• Discussion on the significance of finding work that provides meaningful wealth. 

• Overview of career paths and the types of opulence they offer. 

Session 5 – Hobby, Passion, or Career? 

• Defining interests, hobbies, passions, and careers. 

• Asking yourself ‘why’ you do something instead of ‘what’ to do. 

• Debate: Can hobbies fulfill your nature without becoming a career? 

• Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of different hobbies and careers. 

Session 6 – Steps Toward Starting or Changing Career 

• The concept of a benevolent universe that wants you to succeed. 

• Using SMART Goals to help you obtain your ideal career. 

• Addressing obstacles: Why do challenges arise if the universe wants us to succeed by working according to our nature? 

• Utilizing prayer and journaling as tools to reach our goals. 

Session 7 – Values Exploration: Discover Your Top 10 

• An interactive session dedicated to identifying, refining, and prioritizing your core values. 

Session 8 – Understanding Ego and Its Shades  

• What is ego and should we have it? 

• Exploration of ego types: Goodness, Passion, and Ignorance. 

• How different ego types affect our work. 

Session 9 – Above and Beyond Working According to Our Nature 

• What to do when we are working according to our nature, but we are still unfulfilled? 

• Exploring the purpose of life beyond work. 

• Reflecting on higher purposes and life’s greater meaning. 

Session 10 – Reflection and Closing Thoughts 

• Student reflections on course learnings and key takeaways. 

• Open forum for further discussion and clarification of course topics. 

• Concluding thoughts on action plans for applying course knowledge to achieve career goals. 

Reading Materials and Resources

Urmila Edith Best & Ruchira S. Datta: Career dharma : the natural art of work. Nine Islands Media, 2023.  

Assignments and Assessments

Reading Assignments: Complete pre-class reading for each session. 

Final Assignment: Test of students’ understanding of the four fields of work, six types of opulence, and the shades of ego. Students will also be required to write a reflective essay on their nature, talents and values, and what actions they plan to take after the completion of the course.  

Teacher’s contact information

Govinda Thompson – Govinda Kishora Dasa
[email protected]

Course Description  

 This course is designed to introduce beginners to the foundational practices of yoga through the Vrindavana-Gangotri sequence. Over ten sessions, participants will: 

• Develop a Strong Foundation: Learn and master basic standing, sitting, and balancing postures, focusing on alignment, stability, and breath awareness. 

• Build Strength and Flexibility: Engage in sequences that progressively enhance core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. 

• Explore Key Yoga Techniques: Practice essential yoga techniques, including backbends, inversions, and the Sun Salutation, to improve overall body awareness and energy flow. 

• Enhance Mental Focus and Relaxation: Cultivate mindfulness and relaxation through breath control and meditation, integrated into each session. 

• Prepare for Advanced Practices: Establish a solid foundation that will prepare participants for more advanced yoga practices and sequences. 

Learning Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Understand Basic Yoga Postures: Identify, perform, and align key standing, sitting, and balancing yoga asanas with proper technique. 

• Develop Body Awareness: Increase awareness of body alignment and movement through foundational yoga poses, ensuring safe practice. 

• Enhance Flexibility and Strength: Improve flexibility in the hips, hamstrings, and spine, while building core and muscular strength through targeted asanas. 

• Practice Backbends and Inversions Safely: Learn the techniques for safe and effective backbends and inversions, understanding their benefits and modifications. 

• Perform the Sun Salutation Sequence: Memorize and fluidly execute the Sun Salutation sequence, incorporating breath coordination. 

• Strengthen Arm and Shoulder Muscles: Develop upper body strength and stability through arm balancing poses, preparing for more advanced asanas. 

• Integrate Breathing Techniques: Utilize breath control, pranayama, in sync with movement to enhance focus, relaxation, and energy flow during practice. 

• Achieve Mental Focus and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce stress, increase concentration, and promote relaxation. 

• Complete the Vrindavan-Gangotri Sequence: Perform the full beginner Vrindavana-Gangotri sequence with confidence and understanding, integrating all learned postures and techniques. 

Course Outline 

Session 1: Standing and Sitting Asanas 

Objective: To learn the basic standing and sitting postures.
Warm-Up: Simple stretches in a standing position.
Main Asanas: 

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose) 

• Utkatasana (Chair Pose) 

• Talasana (Palm Tree Pose) 

• Virabhadrasana I & II (Warrior I & II) 

• Parshva-ardha-candrasana 

• Trikonasana 

• Pada-hastasana 

• Adho-mukha-svanasana 

• Sasankasana (Child Pose) 

• Virasana 

• Bhadrasana 

• Janu-sirsasana 

• Ardha-purvottanasana 

• Vakrasana 

Session 2: Standing and Sitting Asanas 

Objective: To repeat and practice the basic standing and sitting postures.
Warm-Up: Full-body warm-up in a sitting position. 

Session 3: Core-Strengthening Poses and Backbends 

Objective: To activate the core muscles.
Warm-Up: Warm-up while lying on the back.
Main Asanas: 

• Ardha-navasana 

• Supta-dandasana 

• Ardha-nabhyasana 

• Niralamba-bhujangasana 

• Ardha-salabhasana 

• Aratnyalamba-bhujangasana 

• Santolanasana 

• Kasjapasana 

• Adho-mukha-svanasana 

• Sasankasana 

Session 4: Backbends 

Objective: To open the chest and strengthen the back through safe backbending techniques.
Warm-Up: Cat-Cow stretches and gentle spinal warm-ups.
Main Asanas: 

• Niralamba-bhujangasana 

• Ardha-salabhasana 

• Aratnyalamba-bhujangasana 

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) 

• Utthita-dhanurasana 

• Halasana 

• Kandarasana 

• Meru-akaranasana 

• Pavana-muktasana 

• Spinal twist while lying on the back 

Session 5: Sun Salutation 

Objective: To learn the Sun Salutation sequence.
Warm-Up: In a standing position.
Asanas: 

• Namaskarasana 

• Ardha-candrasana 

• Pada-hastasana 

• Ekapada-prasarasana 

• Santolanasana 

• Sasankasana 

• Astangasana 

• Bhujangasana 

• Adho-mukha-svanasana 

• Ekapada-prasarasana 

• Pada-hastasana 

• Urdhva-hasta-tadasana 

Session 6: Arm Balancing Asanas 

Objective: To mobilize the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, and strengthen the arm muscles.
Warm-Up: Arm warm-up while sitting.
Main Asanas: 

• Meru-akaranasana 

• Santolanasana 

• Santolanasana in forearm support 

• Kasyapasana 

• Adho-mukha-svanasana 

• Adho-mukha-svanasana in forearm support 

• Ardha-sirsasana 

Session 7: Inversions 

Objective: To introduce safe inversion practices for improving circulation and building strength.
Warm-Up: Shoulder openers and core activation.
Main Asanas: 

• Ardha-sirsasana 

• Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulder Stand) 

• Viparita Karani 

• Halasana (Plow Pose) 

• Matsyasana 

• Kandarasana 

• Pavana-muktasana 

• Spinal twist while lying on the back 

Session 8: Sitting Poses 

Objective: To repeat and practice the basic sitting postures.
Warm-Up: Full-body warm-up in a sitting position.
Main Asanas: 

• Akarna-dhanurasana 

• Virasana 

• Bhadrasana 

• Janu-sirsasana 

• Ardha-purvottanasana 

• Vakrasana 

• Sukhasana 

Session 9: Vrindavan-Gangotri Sequence for Beginners 

Objective: To learn the complete beginner Vrindavana-Gangotri sequence.
Warm-Up: Full-body warm-up while sitting. 

Session 10: Vrindavan-Gangotri Sequence for Beginners 

Objective: To practice the complete beginner Vrindavan-Gangotri sequence.
Warm-Up: Full-body warm-up while standing. 

Assignments and Assessment

1. Pose Practice Journals 

• Objective: Document progress and reflections on practicing specific asanas. 

• Details: After each session, students will write a brief journal entry describing their experience with the day’s asanas. This should include challenges faced, adjustments made, and any physical or mental changes noticed. 

• Assessment: Journals will be reviewed for completeness, self-awareness, and understanding of the poses. 

1. Reflection Essay 

• Objective: Reflect on personal growth and experiences throughout the course. 

• Details: At the end of the course, students will write a 1-2 page essay reflecting on their yoga journey, highlighting key learnings, challenges, and how their practice has evolved.
• Assessment: Graded on depth of reflection, articulation of experiences, and connection to the course objectives. 

Teacher’s contact information

Andrea Képes – Rangini Devi Dasi
[email protected]