Courses

Indian intellectual heritage

India’s cultural and intellectual roots stretch back to more than five millennia. Not surprisingly, such a society would have created enormous knowledge cutting across various dimensions of human life. This course aims to introduce the student to the rich and diverse knowledge systems of India and also provides them the opportunity to examine how the ideas therein can be used for developing new, culturally informed, sustainable paradigms of living. The course focuses on Understanding Indian-ness (Bhāratīyatā), Introduction to Vedic Corpus, Wisdom Through Ages and Governance and Public Administration. The course also explores India’s contribution to Science, Engineering and Technology, Health, Wellness and Psychology. The course will closely follow a dedicated textbook on Indian Knowledge Systems.

Appreciating (He)Art

Art, in the classical Indic tradition, is seen as a profound expression of human emotion, intellect, and creativity crafted to evoke rasa—the essence of aesthetic experience that motivates the audience to transcend materialistic perspectives. However, to truly appreciate an art form, one must be an informed audience—a sahridaya, meaning “one who holds a heart akin to the artist.” This course, Appreciating (He)Art, is designed to nurture such an audience by providing tools to engage with art in its full essence.

Using concepts like rasa, bhava, dhvani, and alankara, the course enables students to perceive the intricate layers of meaning embedded in artistic works. Examples will be drawn from classical dance forms, architecture, sculpture, poetry, music, and painting.

Through this journey, students will not only deepen their aesthetic sensibilities but also recognize the therapeutic power of art in fostering emotional balance and stress relief. By the end of the course, participants will evolve as informed appreciators, capable of understanding and resonating with the artist’s vision and emotion.

Logic and arguementation

This comprehensive course delves into the foundational principles and methodologies of logic and argumentation, drawing from both Indian and Western philosophical traditions. Students will engage with classical texts, contemporary applications, and comparative analyses to develop critical thinking, reasoning, effective argumentation skills and Comparative Analysis (Indian Debates: Vāda (debate) and jalpa (wrangling) in Nyāya tradition)

Story Telling Traditions of Bharath

In the context of India, this course provides an introduction to the tradition of storytelling, which is a relatively new field of study within the field of Humanities studies. The study of this phenomenon as a discipline within an academic setting is not a normal practice, despite the fact that the stories and the history of storytelling are not new to Indians. This is because it is a skill that any Indian child receives from their elders. The purpose of this class is to educate young minds about the structure and significance of the tradition of storytelling, as well as the ways in which it has influenced the Indian psyche and mental process. The instructional material includes stories that are pertinent to the topic at hand, as well as discussions and a presentation that is easy to understand regarding the impact that these individuals have had on the Indian psyche and mental process.

Foundations of Indian culture

“Over the last few decades, a lot of efforts have been made to understand India and draw its lessons for global well-being. In this context, learning the foundational principles of Indian civilization becomes very essential, since plenty of distinctive thinking can be identified in all its thoughts and practices. But unfortunately, we often witness that very fundamental concepts of this civilization, such as dharma, yajña and so on, have been wrongly interpreted, and based on these wrong interpretations, a lot of fallacious narratives have been developed. Hence, it is difficult to differentiate such narratives from factual ones if their fundamentals are not known accordingly. It is also a fact that as an individual goes on exploring such ideas, he will find more and more fascinating ideas that can expand his horizons of thinking and help him develop the right perspectives. All the above strands necessitate detailed discussions on the foundational thoughts of this civilization. The course tries to address this need. 

The topics covered in this course are – puruṣārthas, dharma, yajña, ṛṇa, karma siddhānta, bondage and liberation, pancakosa, triguṇas, āstika and nāstika darśanas, iṣṭāpūrta, satyam – śivam – sundaram (truth, goodness and beauty), symbolism and interpretations, mārga and deśi, nature of śāstras and the festivals of India.”

Introduction to IKS

“As humans progress with new developments, they need guidance from a core set of ideals and principles for living. Today, these principles often come from modern ideas rooted in the Western world. While this progress is valuable, it is widely understood that new solutions and ideas often bring new challenges and problems. This highlights the need to explore alternative frameworks for the evolving world order.
Indic Knowledge Systems (IKS) can offer valuable insights for creating these new frameworks. Learning about IKS is the first step in this direction. Chinmaya University addresses this need through a two-part foundational course.

IKS encompass a vast body of literature offering multiple perspectives. This includes foundational ideas on living found in the Vedas, tools to interpret Vedic literature, and knowledge from texts like the Purāṇas, Darśanas, Smṛtis, Upa Vedas, and more. Collectively, this is called Caturdaśa-vidyāsthānam. The first course introduces one part of this knowledge, while the second course covers the rest.”

Self awareness and management

This course will help students to gain insights into the workings of their own minds: thoughts, emotions and behaviour patterns and thereby increase one’s self-awareness. Drawing from Indian wisdom as well as from modern research, the course intends to equip the individual with the necessary skills, tools, attitudes and philosophy to locate a deeper anchor within and connect to it enabling them the capacity to manage effectively with various kinds of emotional and psychological challenges.

Comprehending India through Ramayana (Polity and Administration lessons from Ramayana)

Through the prism of the civilizational epic, the Ramayana, the course delves into the profound examination of Indian culture, literature, and societal values along with the elementary thoughts of Indian life such as Puruṣārthas, Karma Siddhanta, Punarjnma, R̥na, Yajna, Dāna, Bandha, Mokṣa and family system. In this course, students participate in a multidisciplinary investigation that integrates literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies. In order to acquire a deeper understanding of the values and principles that have influenced Indian civilization, they examine the Ramayana’s characters, narrative, and themes. The Ramayana’s enduring influence over millennia may be demonstrated through the course’s examination of its impact on art, music, and various forms of cultural expression. Students have the opportunity to critically evaluate the Ramayana’s diverse cultural tapestry by examining the various interpretations and adaptations that have been made to it across different regions and time periods. The course may also foster discussions on contemporary relevance, thereby encouraging students to establish connections between the epic and contemporary societal issues.

Swasthyam – A comprehensive guide for well-being

Svāsthyam: A Comprehensive Guide to Wellbeing”” is designed to address these challenges by offering a comprehensive guide to holistic health and wellbeing. This course brings together the diverse yet interconnected practices of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Diet, and the Arts, all rooted in Indian traditions. Participants will gain a deep appreciation of the concept of health and learn practical ways to integrate these practices into their daily lives.
By exploring Ayurvedic dietary principles, Yogic practices, natural healing methods, balanced nutrition, and the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, students will develop the knowledge and skills to enhance their overall wellbeing. This course aims to empower individuals to manage their lifestyle in a way that supports their professional responsibilities without compromising their health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.”

Indian Linguistics  (understanding  the Indian way of meaning)

The global shift from uniform frameworks of the 19th and 20th centuries to diverse, open-ended systems is evident across domains—education, culture, belief, attire, food, and language. In India, such multiplicity has been an enduring characteristic, particularly in the realm of language.
With the diminishing urgency to translate into English and the growing accessibility of information in native languages—facilitated by AI—the focus now shifts to enhancing machine understanding of linguistic structures. Here, linguistics assumes renewed relevance.
This course situates itself at the intersection of India’s linguistic diversity and the emerging demands of translation technologies. It introduces students to the structural intricacies of Indian languages while preparing them to address translation challenges in a multilingual, technologically mediated world.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita

“From the illustrious warrior Arjuna of the Mahābhārata to the visionary engineer E Sreedharan behind the Delhi metro, the Bhagavad Gītā has been a wellspring of inspiration for great personalities across diverse fields. Despite its profound significance, this timeless treasure trove of wisdom remains undiscovered by many. The present course endeavors to bridge this gap by unraveling the life lessons embedded within the Gītā, accompanied by selected verses that illuminate its teachings.
The course is structured into two halves, each offering a unique perspective on the Bhagavad Gītā. In the first half, we embark on an appreciative exploration of all 18 chapters of the text, delving into its essence in its purest form. The aim is to understand the Gītā as it is, appreciating its teachings and perspectives.
In the second half of the course, our focus shifts to real-world contexts and contemporary issues. Through insightful discussions, we analyze how the teachings of the Gītā can offer profound guidance in addressing these challenges. By examining various situations through the lens of Gītā, learners gain invaluable perspectives that can navigate them through the complexities of life.
Our aim is not only to impart the content of the Bhagavad Gītā but also to empower learners with enduring perspectives that resonate beyond the classroom. By blending textual study with practical application, the students will be equipped with the tools to navigate life’s journey with resilience and calmness.”

Appreciating Classical Poetry

“Bharata is a land of an accomplished and unbroken poetic tradition for at least five thousand years. The significance and benefits of this tradition are well-known, and it must be continued. However, it is observed that present generations have significantly moved away from this it, and it requires constant efforts to reconnect this tradition.
To understand and appreciate such poetic works of any Indian language one must be aware of a few tools (such as rasa, dhvani, alankara, chandas etc.) and different genres of poetry (such as chitrakavya, samasya etc.). The course aims to introduce these aspects with examples from celebrated poets such as Ranna, Kumaravyasa and Kuvempu. These discussions will also help individuals compose poems with a classical touch.”

Temple Architecture and Sculpture

The current course aims to introduce the audience to various aspects connected with the Indian temples. In addition to providing a historical perspective of the evolution of temple architecture, the course also covers the various styles of architecture present around the country, the process and rituals associated with the construction, and the philosophy behind the structure of a temple. The course also sheds light upon temple sculptures, including their features of iconography and iconometry. The different kinds of pūjās and utsavas associated with temples will also be covered. Temples that are a part of the Akhaṇḍa-bhārata, i.e., those that are present outside the political borders of India in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam will be discussed as well. The course will also throw light on the various destructive forces that have been responsible for the degradation of the temple culture and attempts to provide ideas for rejuvenating the glory of the Indian temple traditions, in places where it is lost.

Introduction to Artha Shatra

The course on “Philosophy of Chanakya” delves into the profound teachings of the ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and political strategist, Chanakya. Through an exploration of his seminal work, the “Arthashastra,” and other philosophical treatises, students will uncover Chanakya’s insights into governance, leadership, and Dharma. The course provides a rich historical context to understand Chanakya’s influence on ancient Indian political thought and encourages critical inquiry into the relevance of his principles in contemporary society. By engaging in discussions, debates, and analytical exercises, students will develop a deeper understanding of Chanakya’s philosophy and its implications for ethical decision-making, effective leadership, and the dynamics of Artha Shatra

Indian Perspectives on Health and Lifestyle Management

This course is offered as a General Education course at Chanakya University as part of its vision to introduce all its students to India’s rich literature and practices. The course introduces the student to the various aspects of Indian Health Systems in managing the lifestyles like “Healthy daily and seasonal routines”, “Managing food, water, sleep and behaviour without affecting the busy lifestyle”, etc. explained in detail.

Indian Psychology

Indian Psychology draws from the rich insights of Bharatiya philosophical and yogic traditions to understand the mind, emotions, and consciousness. This course introduces learners to key concepts, frameworks, and practices rooted in texts like the Upanishads, Yoga, and Ayurveda. It offers an indigenous perspective on wellbeing, cognition, behaviour, and self-development, enabling a holistic understanding of human nature beyond the boundaries of modern Western psychological models.

Chanakya Neeti for Modern Management

Chanakya Neeti, believed to be composed by the legendary thinker, strategist, and royal advisor Chanakya (Kautilya), offers timeless principles of leadership, governance, and human behaviour. This course, “Chanakya Neeti for Modern Management,” explores key sutras to equip today’s managers with practical wisdom. It will also focus on insights from Chanakya’s Arthashastra, enriching understanding of strategy, administration, and statecraft relevant to organisational contexts. Participants will learn strategic thinking, decision-making, people management, negotiation, influence, and ethical leadership rooted in realism. Through reflections, discussions, and case studies, the course empowers professionals to lead purposefully, build strong teams, and handle complexities effectively in today’s competitive environment.

Critical thinking

Critical Thinking is one of the ten psychosocial competencies, as identified by The World Health Organization (WHO), which help the individual develop an “adaptive and positive behaviour that [will] enable [them] to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.”  This course aims to provide the students an opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills by introducing to them the basic tools of argumentation, by making them aware of prejudices and stereotypes and guide them to be more empathetic to other views points. The course will draw ideas from Indian knowledge traditions as well as from other knowledge traditions.

The Arthashastra: An Overview

This course explores the profound teachings of Chanakya—an ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and political strategist. Through an in-depth study of his seminal work, the Arthashastra, along with other philosophical texts, students will examine Chanakya’s insights on governance, leadership, ethics, and Dharma.The course offers rich historical context to understand his impact on ancient Indian political thought while encouraging critical reflection on the modern relevance of his ideas. Through discussions, debates, and analytical exercises, students will gain a deeper appreciation of Chanakya’s philosophy and its applications to ethical decision-making, effective leadership, and the principles of statecraft.

Indian Perspective on Holistic Health

This course is offered as a General Education course at Chanakya University as part of its vision to introduce all its students to India’s rich literature and practices. The course introduces the student to the various aspects of Indian Health Systems in managing the lifestyles like “Healthy daily and seasonal routines”, “Managing food, water, sleep and behaviour without affecting the busy lifestyle”, etc. explained in detail.

Indriyas and Holistic Health

This course is all about understanding how our five senses work and how they affect our health. We’ll explore how our mind, intellect, and soul play a role in how we perceive things. The course covers the qualities of the mind, the impact of triguna, and even looks into how our mind can create illusions. We’ll discuss spiritual aspects, how psychological issues develop, and principles for maintaining overall health.
Following the teachings of the “Indriyopakramaneeya Adhyaya”” from the Caraka Samhita, the course also touches on ethical behavior, moral practices, and guidelines for different aspects of life. The goal is to help prevent mental and physical health problems and promote well-being in both personal and social aspects of life. Throughout the course, we take a deep dive into the workings of our senses, their connection to our mind and spirit, and the ethical values that contribute to a healthy and balanced life.”

India Revisited

“In recent decades, substantial efforts have been dedicated to comprehending India and extracting her insights pertinent to global well-being. In this context, a re-examination of the achievements, philosophical underpinnings, and societal norms of Indian civilization assumes significance. This course endeavors to meet this need. Designed to embark participants on an engaging and enriching journey, the course is structured into three modules: Vismaya (wonder), Vinaya (education), and Vidvattā (expertise).
Vismaya, the inaugural module, introduces the exceptional achievements of Indian civilization across diverse spheres including architecture, astronomy, mathematics, alchemy, medicine, social sciences, and arts from both classical and folk traditions. The breadth and depth of these accomplishments encourage the learners to contemplate how such heights were attained amidst numerous invasions and upheavals. This curiosity naturally takes them into the subsequent module, which elucidates the foundational principles that underpin this civilization.
Vinaya, the second module, critically examines the foundational principles of Indian culture. This exploration is crucial due to the distinctive concepts and practices inherent in Indian civilization. However, it is noted that fundamental concepts such as dharma and yajña have often been subject to misinterpretation, leading to the proliferation of erroneous narratives. Understanding these principles is essential for distinguishing factual accounts from misconceptions, fostering nuanced perspectives, and cultivating rooted understandings. This module comprehensively covers topics including puruṣārthas, dharma, yajña, ṛṇa, karma siddhānta, bondage and liberation, āstika and nāstika darśanas, iṣṭāpūrta, satyam – śivam – sundaram (truth, goodness, and beauty), mārga and deśi, as well as the festivals of India.
Vidvattā, the final module, engages participants in profound discussions that integrate the preceding knowledge. Topics such as the concept of family and minimalism are explored to illustrate their influence on lifestyle and their contributions to humanity. The module addresses contemporary global challenges through the lens of Indian values, encouraging learners to cultivate a jīvanadharma conducive to global citizenship.
Central to the course’s objectives are the cultivation of perspectives and the re-evaluation of lifestyles. Discussions within the course facilitate these outcomes, such as examining puruṣārthas to discern human desires and their management, exploring dharma to address sustainable development and resource allocation, and applying principles like yajña to reinforce human-nature relationships. The discussion on satyam – śivam – sundaram promotes holistic approaches to planning and execution, while insights from Indian festivals underscore themes of inclusivity and gratitude.”

Indian Aesthetics and Cinema

Indian cinema is strongly rooted in the classical conceptual world and is gaining global attention lately. Can the current changes in Indian Cinema to epic forms be better appreciated from the broader theoretical basis of Indian Aesthetics? This course is designed keeping this as an insight. This course introduces the students to the core concepts of Indian Aesthetics using Cinema as the medium. The course trains the students to think in terms of the concepts and theories as envisaged by Indian tradition, like Rasa, Bhava, Dhvani, Kavisamaya, etc. It enables them to appreciate the distinctive nature of the popular cinema, both Indian and Global, and also to understand the changes that are shaping new currents in Global cinema.

Journey of Self-Discovery through Bhagavad-gita

“· Understanding Key Philosophical Concepts:
Students will be able to explain core concepts of the Bhagavad Gita, such as Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, and their significance in the context of personal development and ethical living.
· Application of Ethical Principles:
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the ethical and moral teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to real-life situations, making informed decisions based on principles of duty (dharma), selflessness, and righteousness.
· Cultivation of Self-Awareness and Mindfulness
Students will practice mindfulness and meditation techniques inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, leading to enhanced self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mental clarity.
· Development of Reflective Thinking:
Students will engage in reflective practices, such as journaling and discussions, to explore and articulate their personal insights and connections to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
· Enhancement of Interpersonal Skills:
Through group activities and collaborative projects, students will develop effective communication and teamwork skills, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
· Integration of Spiritual Principles into Daily Life:
Students will identify practical ways to integrate the spiritual principles of the Bhagavad Gita into their daily routines, promoting a balanced and purposeful lifestyle.”

Indian Stories: Universal Values

In today’s fast-paced world, knowledge of core disciplines alone is insufficient to navigate life’s complexities. Ethics and values offer stability and direction. This course bridges that gap by exploring timeless insights from India’s rich storytelling heritage, including the Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Purāṇas, Pañcatantra, and folk traditions. Stories reveal concepts like Dharma, Karma, Purusharthas, Ṛṇa, Yajña, Dāna, Tapas, Varṇa-Āshrama, Pañchakoṣa, and Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāga. Students will engage with ethical dilemmas, life goals, and personal growth, reflecting on their relevance today. Through storytelling, dialogue, and reflection, learners will internalize values for thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate living in modern society.

Values, Ethics and Morals: Revisiting Mahābhārata

The integrity of our core values is non-negotiable; we cannot compromise on them.”
This emphasizes the unwavering commitment to fundamental principles, aligning with the sentiment that certain values are inviolable. Mahabharata helps us understand and incorporate these values in our lives.
Mahābhārata is the greatest epic which discusses about every single topic. Although the Mahābhārata battle wasn’t the first one and that is definitely not the last, it is the most popularly known battle even today. The core values, morals, ethics we learn from the stories of Mahabharata have a very big impact in our lives.  A world without Mahabharata cannot be even imagined. It not only discusses at the very mundane level, but it also guides us intellectually and philosophically. This reminds us of its relevance even today.
This course enables us to revisit Mahabharata with an intellectual approach and understand how deep rooted the Mahabharata is in our lives. It also helps us understand the stories conveying morals, ethics and values which can be inculcated and be beneficial.
This course invites participants to dive into the epic narrative of the Mahabharata, one of the most revered texts in Indian philosophy and literature. Through a detailed exploration of its stories, characters, and dilemmas, students will engage with timeless questions about ethics, morality, duty, and righteousness. The course aims to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges, helping learners apply these insights to their personal and professional lives.

Indian Epistemology

A robust intellectual enquiry demands clarity of logic and strength in argumentation. This course provides a platform for students to explore the foundational principles and methods of logical reasoning, drawing from both Indian and Western philosophical traditions.
Through the study of classical texts, contemporary applications, and comparative perspectives, students will develop critical thinking skills, strengthen their reasoning abilities, and learn to engage in effective argumentation.