Study of Viveka Chudamani
Summary Description
Study of Sanskrit through Śrī Ādi Śaṅkarācārya’s Viveka Cūḍāmaṇi, an introductory text on Advaita Vedānta (Prakaraṇa Grantha).
The aim of this course is to enable students to read and understand Sanskrit texts (Śastra & Sāhitya) independently and to improve chanting of Sanskrit verses.
Course Entry Prerequisites
No previous qualifications are required, though a basic ability to read Sanskrit texts and to pronounce and enunciate Sanskrit words are desirable.
An intense desire to learn Sanskrit, commitment to attend the live online sessions regularly, willingness to actively participate during the main as well as sub-group study sessions are key factors to understanding and appreciating the literary value of this wonderful text in verse form in the mellifluous language of Śrī Ādiśaṅkara.
Duration and Timings
- Two year duration. Approximately half of the Syllabus will be covered in each year.
- 1 session per week (attendance required)
- Tuesdays 8:00pm to 9:00pm (UK times, Zoom-based). Preceded by chanting session 7:45 pm to 8:00 pm.
- NB: Sessions will be recorded
Course Content
Vivekacūḍāmaṇi is an introductory treatise which explains the core concepts and terminologies of Advaita Philosophy (Non- dualism) in a simple and accessible manner. Unlike foundational scriptures which can be vast and complex, this text functions as a pedagogical tool to prepare students for deeper study.
The main aim of selecting this treatise is to learn Sanskrit and not, however, to go into the philosophical depths of the work.
The medium of instruction is English. Sessions will be conducted via dedicated zoom platform. All teaching material will be available on Lesson Plan accessible via Cloud Storage. No books are required.
The lesson plan will have all details of the verses covered and to be covered and updated after each session.
As in any other traditional learning setting, since the text is in verse form, the first 15 minutes is reserved for chanting of verses covered in the previous session.
The main session, lasting one hour, will consist of a brief summary by the course facilitator followed by an opportunity for students from subgroups to present the allocated verses under the following headings:
- Dividing the verse into individual words ( Sandhi Vicchedana)
- Giving word by word meaning
- Rearrangement of words in prose order
- Summary of the meaning of the verse
In order to enhance peer supported learning, all students are encouraged to attend special group sessions when each group will meet via zoom at a time suitable for them to practice chanting and for revision.
All students will be encouraged to take part in an optional assessment at the end of the course, leading to a Certificate of Achievement from Sanskrut Bhakti.
Course Requirements
Sanskrut Bhakti understands the constraints of the adult learners and their burning desire to learn Sanskrit. Therefore students are expected to attend the live lessons. The live sessions offer opportunities for interaction and doubt clearance.
However, in respect of the teacher and fellow students all absences have to be reported in advance by email.
All course communication related to Sanskrut Bhakti is via email and WhatsApp using Internet-links to course resources.
Course Costs
There is no Course Fee. All Sanskrut Bhakti teaching and administration is on a purely voluntary basis. Students may make a voluntary contribution to Sanskrut Bhakti to cover their essential administration costs e.g. Zoom, Google Drive etc. Details will be provided at the start of the course.
Course Registration
Please ensure that you satisfy the entry requirements for this course before registering.