Theory Electives for PhD in Yoga

DIVISION OF YOGA AND SPIRITUALITY

1. DEPARTMENT OF SAMSKRTA

YSP T 1101
Samskrta 1
Provides students with basic elementary and practical knowledge of Samskrta, alphabet and phonetics, grammar and syntax, formation and understanding of simple sentences, common Samskrta terms used in literature, relationship with other languages.
Samskrta Sambhashana; Amarakosha; words – Nouns, verbs – their declensions; simple sentences, stories from Chandamama etc.
Books: 1.Amarakosha, Pub: Chowkhamba Publications.
2. Samskrtmarga Pradarshika - Bhandarkar Vol. 1 & 2

YSP T 1102
Samskrta 2
Pre Requisite: YSP T 1001
Stories from Upanishads, Epics, Puranas & their structure – aids to their understanding; Samasas; by G Mahabaleshwara Bhat, poetry-introduction, Book: Stories from Upanishads, published by R K Mission.
Books: Aksharam Books

YSP T 1111
Samskrta Text 1
Pre Requisite: YSP T 1001 (10202 preferred).
Study of the text Raghuvamsha of Kalidasa with Sanjivini Tika. Author: Mallinatha, II chapter published by Choukhambha Publications, Pub: Oriental Institute, Pune.

YSP T 1112
Samskrta Text 2
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1011
Introduction to Bhartrhari’s works – Nitishataka and Vairagya Shatakas; Excerpts from others, Book published by Choukhambha Publication.
Nitishataka and Vairagya Shataka, Author: Bhartrhari, Pub: Pune.

YSP T – 1113
Samskrta Text 3
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1012
Introducing Kalidasa and his works,
Books: Samskrt Sahitya ka Upadesh - Baldev Upadhyay
Meghaduta, Kumara Sambhava, Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam, Mallavikagni-mitram. Pub: Pune.

YSP T – 1114
Samskrta Text 4
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1013

INTRODUCTION TO OTHER AUTHORS
Books:
Kadambari - Banabhatta
Uttara Ramacarita - Bhavabhuti
Mrccha Katikam - Shudraka
Mudra Rakshasa - Vishaka Dutta, Pub: Pune

YSP T 1115
Prakarana Granthas 1 (3 Credits)
Basic Texts of Vedanta – Laghu Vedantasara - Vasudevananda, Vasudevamananam-Sadananda.
Books:
1. Vivekacudamani - Swami Dayananda, Pub: R K Mission
2. Upadesha Sahasri, Pub: R K Mission
3. Aparokshhanubhuti
4. Atma Bodha
5. Dakshinamurti Stotra
6. Pratahsmaranam, Pub: R K Mission and SVYP.

YSP T 1116
Prakarana Granthas 2 (3 Credits)
Pre Requsite : YSP T – 1115
Pancadashi, Author: Vidyaranya, Pub: R K Mission.

YSP T – 1117
Prakarana Granthas 3 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1015
Introduction to Shankara’s works – Excerpts from Vivekacudamani, etc.

YSP T – 1121
Tarka Sangraha (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Introduction to modern and ancient logic; the first text on logic Tarka Sangraha, Pub: R K Mission.

YSP T – 1122
Nyaya Siddhanta Muktavali 1 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1121
Introduction to Tarka Muktavali and the associated advanced logic, Pub: R K Mission.

YSP T - 1123
Nyaya Siddhanta Muktavali 2 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1122
Advanced logic, mathematics, science of probabilities and Tarka Muktavali. Pub: R K Mission.

YSP T - 1124
Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: 1101
Study of the first book of Samskrta grammar Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi, Pub: Gita Press.

YSP T -1125
Siddhanta Kaumudi 1 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1124
Introduction to advanced grammar through the study of Siddhanta Kaumudi - Chowkhamba.

YSP T - 1126
Siddhanta Kaumudi 2 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1125
Mathematical relations between Sutras in Siddhanta Kaumudi; Further studies in Siddhanta Kaumudi. Same Tr: Prof Vasu.

2. DEPARTMENT OF VEDIC STUDIES

YSP T – 1131
Introduction to Vedangas (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T - 1101
Introduction to six supporting documents for understanding Vedas: Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chandas & Jyotisha; Yoga Kosha - terms used in yoga texts.
References: YOGA KOSHA (The New Enlarged Version)
Edited by an Editorial Board chaired by Swami Digambarji
Pub: Kaivalyadham, Lonavla, Pune, 1991
Price Rs 150.
The Light of Vedas - A practical approach
Author : Kalpali Shastri, Compiled by R.L. Kashyap. Sri Aurobindo Kapali Shastri Institute of Vedic Culture. No.63, 13th Main, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore.
Why Read Rig Veda? by Dr R.L. Kashyap. Sri Aurobindo Kapali Shastri Institute of Vedic Culture.
Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy - Chandra Dhara Sharma
The Vedas by Paramacarya of Kanchi
Prapanca Hrdayam, Edited by T Ganapati Shastri
Pub: Motilal Banarsidas
Indian Philosophy Vol-1 and Vol-2
Dr Radhakrishnan, Pub: Oxford University

YSP T 1132
Introduction to Shad Darshanas (3 Credits)
Pre Requisite: YSP T – 1001
Introduction to Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa.
An Outline of Indian Philosophy - Hiriyanna MPub: Motilal Banarsidas.

YSP T 1133
Introduction to Shad Matas (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
The six systems of Hinduism; life sketches of their sthapakas (founders or prophets), brief study of their books; Modes of workshop.
Shankara and Shanmata, Author: TMP Mahadevan, Pub: Advanced studies for Advaita studies, Pub: R K Mission.

YSP T-1141
Major Upanishads 1 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSPT 1001
Esha, Kena and Katha Upanishads; Introduction to Bhashyas, Books: Published by R K Mission.

YSP T – 1142
Major Upanishads 2 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSPT 1001 and MS T – 1002
Aitareya, Taittiriya and Prashna, Books published by R K Mission.

YSP T – 1143
Major Upanishads 3 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001 and MS T - 1002
Mundaka, Mandukya and excerpts from Chandogya and Brhadaranyaka. Books published by R K Mission.

YSP T – 1144
Yoga Upanishads (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Historical aspects of the main texts; brief life sketches of their authors, contents and their usefulness to modern society, Pub: Adyar, Chennai.

YSP T - 1151
Bhagavadgita 1 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1121 and MS T - 1002
Introduction to Bhashyas by the 3 acaryas in the study of Bhagavadgita - one of the chapters.

YSP T - 1152
Bhagavadgita 2 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1002
Study of chapters 1 to 9 with chanting.

YSP T - 1153
Bhagavadgita 3 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1152
Study of chapters 10 to 18 with chanting.
Books: - Swami Tapasyananda - Bhagavad Gita - Science of life Pub: Ramakrishana Mission, Chinmayananada - Holy Gita, Gita As It Is - ISKCON.

YSP T - 1154
Yoga Vasishtha (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Historical aspects of Yoga Vasishtha, context, An overview of Yoga Vasishtha and its contributions: Vairagya Prakarana, Mumukshu, Srshti, Sthiti, Upasana and Nirvana Prakaranas.
Teachings of Yoga Vasishtha through the Story of Shikhidhvaja and Cudala.
Books :
1. Laghu Yoga Vasishtha Pub: Theosophical society,
2. Jnanendra Saraswati - Essence of Yoga Vasishtha Pub: Samata Books

YSP T - 1161
Brahma Sutras (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T – 1001, 1002; YSP T 1151, YSP T 1141 preferred
Introduction to Brahma Sutras; Life sketch of SVYaSA; study of the interconnectedness among Upanishads through the eyes of the Bhashyakaras;
Total perspectives of Jnana Yoga and models of consciousness.
Books:
1. Brahma Sutra - Swami Shivananda Pub: Divine Life Society
2. “Vedanta Explained” 2 Volumes VH Date Pub: Motilal Banarasidas, R K Mission

YSP T – 1162
Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Para-psychology (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T – 1004
Antiquity and historical perspectives; overall study
Books:
1. Four Chapters on Freedom, Swami Satyananda Saraswati Pub: Bihar School of Yoga
2. Patanjala Yoga Sutras - Swami Prabhavananda, Pub: Rama Krishana Mission
3. Science of Yoga - Taimini, Pub: Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Chennai.

YSP T – 1163
Advanced Course in Patanjali Yoga Sutras (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T – 1162
An outline summary of the science of yoga: Samadhi pada,
Definition of yoga, Eligibility for the yoga practitioner, Types of Citta Vrttis,
The two-fold approach for gaining mastery over the mind, Samadhis and their varieties, Kaivalya
The Practical part of yoga: Sadhana Pada Definition of Kriya yoga, concept of kleshas, Solutions for overcoming the kleshas, Ashtanga yoga definition and Bahirañga Yoga: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara
Advanced Yoga: Vibhuti Pada Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi; Samyama, Parinamas, Siddhis as accomplishments and hurdles in the path of yoga.
Philosophy of yoga: Kaivalya Pada
The modes of getting Siddhis, Siddhis as milestones of progress and means for purification of inner consciousness, Karma Siddhanta, Klesha karma nivrtti, Viveka khyati and Dharma Megha Samadhi.
Books:
1.Patanjala Yoga Sutras, Swami Hariharananda Aranya Pub: Calcutta University Press
2. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Ushan Budh Arya Pub: Himalayan Institute

YSP T – 1164
Narada Bhakti Sutras (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T – 1002
Historical aspects, Life sketch of Narada - the author; The science of emotions’ culture as portrayed in NBS study of the text with glimpses into the bhashyas, Yoga Darshana, Pub: Gita Press
Books:
1. Narada Bhakti Sütras - Swami Harshananda Pub:Ramakrishana Mission
2. Swami Shivananda Pub: Divine Life Society Swami Chinmayananda

YSP T - 1165
Karma Yoga Sutra Shatakam (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T - 1002
The knowledge about Karma Yoga texts, life and contributions of Swami Vivekananda, KYSS of Swami Harshananda.
Study of the 100 Sutras with Bhashya.

YSP T – 1171
Hatha Texts 1 (3 Credits)
Pre-requisite: MS T - 1004
Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Historical aspects; life of Svatmarama; The Shadanga and Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali; study of the text. Applications to personality development, yoga therapy and spirituality growth. Research summary.
Books:
1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Translation - Swami Mukti Bodhananda Saraswati, Pub: Bihar School of Yoga.
2. Swami Vishnudevananda Pub: OM Trust Publication. Pub: Theosophical Society.

YSP T- 1172
Hatha Texts 2 (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: YSP T -1171
Gheranda Samhita: Historical aspects; life of Gheranda; the dimensions of Hatha Yoga contributed by Gheranda in comparision to other texts; study of the text. Their usefulness in modern times.
Introduction to Hatha Ratnavali and other texts. Life sketches of the authors and their special contributions, study of the texts. Research summary.
Book:
1. Hatha Rathnavali, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthana, Andhra Pradesh.
2. Gheranda Samhita, Shri Sadguru Publication, New Delhi.

YSP T - 1173
Hatha Yoga and Kundalini
Pre-Requisite: YSP T 1171
Historical aspects of Tantra Shastra and Kundalini, texts on Kundalini yoga, life sketches of the authors and their contributions to Kundalini and Hatha Yoga. Repercussions on the modern society; Kundalini research.
Books: Swami Shivananda
Pub: Divine Life Society,
Leadbeater “Chakras” Pub: Theosophical Society, John Woodruff

YSP T – 1181
Epics and Modern Society (3 Credits)
Pre-requisite: MS T – 1001
Antiquity of the 2 major epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata and their role in the ancient society. The life sketches of the authors Valmiki and Vyasa and their special contributions. Study of the excerpts from the 2 epics in original form. The study of the video-presentations of Ramananda Sagar and Chopra - their research and contributions to understand the Dharma Sukshmas. Research summary: Usefulness to modern society.
Books:
1. Ramayana, Mahabharata - C Rajagopalachari Pub: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
2. Valmiki Ramayana - Kamala Subramanyan Pub: Gita Press.

YSP T – 1182
Puranas and Modern Era (3 Credits)
The 18 puranas and their antiquity; brief sketches of the known authors; the purpose of the puranas with their special contributions in the contemporary societies; Glimpses into the texts (in original). Study of the Video-presentations; research aspects; useful aspects in the modern era.
Books:
Puranas

YSP T – 1183
Modern Yogis and their special contributions (3 Credits)
Introduction to the ancient lineage of Yoga masters - Yoga parampara; lives of modern yogis continuing the parampara – modern yogis breaking away from the traditional paths; their special contributions and repercussions on the society. Study of the life of Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Ma Sharada, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Yogananda, Swami Shivananda et al.
Books
1. Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna,
2. Gospel of Holy Mother,
3. Teachings of Swami Vivekananda,
4. Ramana Gita, Pub: Ramanashram,
5. Sri Aurobindo and Consciousness – Satpress

3. DEPARTMENT OF COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS

YSP T - 1191
Christianity (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Antiquity and Historical aspects; Life sketch of Christ in brief; highlights from Bible; dimensions of Yoga found in Bible and Christianity - spread of the Christianity and its influences in the modern society.

YSP T- 1192
Islam (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Antiquity and Historical aspects; Life sketch of the Prophet in brief; highlights from Quran; dimensions of Yoga found in Quran and its practices – spread of Islam and its influences in the modern society.

YSP T- 1193
Buddhism and Jainism (3 Credits)
Pre-Requisite: MS T 1001
Antiquity and Historical aspects; Life sketches of Buddha and Mahavira Tirthankara in brief; highlights from their teachings; dimensions of Yoga found in their teachings and their practices spread of Buddhism and Jainism and their influences.
Books:
1. The Central Philosophy of Buddhism - TVR Murthy Pub: Harper Collins Publishers, India.
2. Jainas - Pub: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladanun (Raj) Cultural Heritage of India.

YSP T- 1194
Harmony among Religions (3 Credits)
The two approaches - hair splitting the differences versus harmonizing; the basic fears of extinction. Unearthing the common linkages for win/win solutions. Applications to the new millennium towards global harmony and peace.
1. Living Religion of the world - RK Mission.
2. Jaina Philosophy and Religion - Nagin J Shah.Pub: Motilal Banarasidas.