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THE UPANISHADS in the light of Sri Aurobindo Facilitator: Vladimir Yatsenko, PhD Credits: 16. One Semester. Code: ULSA Dr. Vladimir Yatsenko is a Russian scholar and teacher of Sanskrit and the Indian scriptures, settled in Auroville (an international township for human unity), since several years. Program Brief This program is an introduction to the Upanishads and Vedantic Metaphysics and Psychology in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. It maps all major concepts of the Vedantic paradigm and their interpretation in the perspective of Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. Besides the commentaries of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother the traditional commentaries of Shankara, Sayana and other scholars are widely used. Course 1 Isha & Kena Upanishads (6 Credits)

1. The Structure and the general content of the Upanishads. Sri Aurobindo on the Epistemology of Upanishadic literature (10 days) • To understand the structure of the Vedic Canon in relation to the Brahmanas and

Upanishads • To understand the shift of epistemological paradigm from the Vedas to Brahmanas

and Upanishads • To define the difference between the Vedic and Post Vedic periods • To understand the definitions given by Sri Aurobindo about the Knowledge of the

Upanishads, and to be able to discuss these issues 2. The Vision of the Isha Upanishad (10 days)

• To understand the Vision of the Vedantic Seers • To be able to relate this Vision with the Integral Yoga Psychology

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• To define the difference between the Vedic and Post Vedic approaches to Knowledge

• To be able to relate and discuss the issues of the double creation and transformation in Integral Yoga

3. The Four movements of the Isha Upanishad

in the light of Sri Aurobindo (10 days) • To understand the symbolism and function of the Knowledge and Ignorance, to be

able to distinguish between the Sambhuti and Vinasha in relation to the Knowledge and Ignorance, Vidya and Avidya

• To understand the relation of the two to the consciousness of the Lord in the evolution of Consciousness

• To relate it with the Integral Yoga Psychology • To define the concept of the Spirit, Brahman, in relation to the Lord, Ish • To be able to comprehend the multiple and many-facetted relations of the Lord

with his Creation. The concept of Karma 4. The Kena Upanishad 1-2. Knowledge about Brahman (10 days)

• To understand the relation of the Faculties of Consciousness to the Consciousness itself that is behind them

• To understand the limitations of the faculties in perception of Brahman and the approach of the Kena Upanishad in overcoming these limitations

• To define the role of the faculties of Consciousness in manifestation of the Brahman

• To be able to see different approaches to Knowledge: Vritra, and to discuss these issues in the terms of the modern psychology

5. The Kena Upanishad 3-4. The Parable of the Gods (10 days)

• To understand the symbolism of the Myth of the Kena Upanishad in relation to different godheads: Agni, Vayu and Indra

• To understand the symbolism of Uma Haimavati and her relation to Brahman • To define the role of Indra • To be able to discuss the role of Agni and Vayu in relation to Indra in the Ancient

Vedanta • To be able to define the major Yogic experiences and to discuss these issues in the

terms of the modern psychology 6. Assimilation & Assessment (10 days)

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Course 2 Aitareya & Taittiriya Upanishads (6 Credits)

1. The Aitareya Upanishad. The Myth of Creation. Purusha Sacrifice (10 days) • To understand the symbolism of the two stages of Creation in the first part of

Aitareya Upanishad and to be able to discuss it • To be able to describe the Creation in the terms of Purusha Sacrifice, and to

discuss the similarities and differences of the Myth of Purusha in the Rig Veda 10.90

• To understand the Adhidaiva approach to knowledge and its relation to Adhyatma and Adhibhuta in the light of Purusha Sacrifice

2. The Aitareya Upanishad. The Myth of a Primeval Death

and the embodiment of the Spirit in Matter (10 days) • To understand the symbolism of the two stages of Creation in the first part of

Aitareya Upanishad and to be able to discuss it • To be able to describe the Creation in the terms of Purusha Sacrifice, and to

discuss the similarities and differences of the Myth of Purusha in the Rig Veda 10.90

• To understand the Adhidaiva approach to knowledge and its relation to Adhyatma and Adhibhuta in the light of Purusha Sacrifice

3. The Aitareya Upanishad on the knowledge of Consciousness.

Samjnana, Ajnana, Vijnana, Prajnana in the light of Sri Aurobindo (10 days) • To understand in great detail the different faculties of Consciousness, such as

Samjnana, Ajnana, Vijnana and Prajnana in the terms of apprehensive and comprehensive operations

• To be able to describe the process of their action in consciousness • To understand the meaning of all other faculties listed in the Aitareya Upanishad,

part 3, and to be able to discuss their necessity and validity in the field of studies of Consciousness

• To be able to review the whole Aitareya Upanishad and the vision of the two stages of Creation

4. The Taittiriya Upanishad, Bhrigu Valli. Knowledge about Brahman (10 days)

• To understand in great detail different faculties of Consciousness, such as anna, prana, chaksuh, shrotra, manas vak, in their relation to the Spirit and to each other

• To understand in great detail different planes of Being, such as anna, prana, manas, vijnana, ananda in their relation to the Brahman and to man

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• To be able to review the whole vision of Taittiriya Upanishad on the basis of this fundamental vision of hierarchy of Consciousness and Being

5. The Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmananda Valli.

Knowledge of the Five Purushas (10 days) • To understand in great detail different planes of Consciousness, such as annamaya,

pranamaya, manomaya, vijnanamaya, anandamaya, in their relation to the Spirit and to each othe

• To understand the difference between the conception of Brahman, Atman and Purusha in their relation to man

• To be able to review the whole vision of Taittiriya Upanishad on the basis of this fundamental vision of hierarchy of Consciousness and Being

6. Assimilation & Assessment (10 days)

Course 3 Research Practicum/Seminar/Project Work (4 Credits) § Project Outline (10 days) § First Draft of Research Paper (30 days) § Final Submission of Research Paper (15 days)