Gather for a rich, immersive introduction to the diverse traditions that make up Hinduism. Explore how ritual, knowledge, and devotion have shaped Hindu religious life from the ancient world to the present. Begin with Hinduism’s South Asian origins and its deep roots in the Vedic tradition, whose hymns, cosmologies, and ritual frameworks provide many of the foundational concepts that continue to inform Hindu thought. Then examine early and classical expressions of Hindu philosophy and practice through the multifaceted concept of dharma, a term that encompasses duty, ethics, social order, and cosmic harmony. You encounter Hinduism’s major deities and explore their narrative traditions, ritual practices, and iconic visual forms—learning how stories and symbols express profound theological and philosophical ideas. Then you turn to the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy, engaging both primary and secondary sources to understand how thinkers across centuries have debated the nature of reality, the self, and liberation. Building on this foundation, you explore the flourishing of bhakti, or devotion—one of the most influential forces in Hindu religious life—and consider how poetry, music, and personal relationships with the divine have shaped communities across India and beyond. Conclude by investigating Hindu sacred spaces, from temples to tīrthas (pilgrimage sites), examining how ideas of divine presence intersect with ritual practice, geography, and the lived experiences of pilgrims. Through this journey, you gain a comprehensive understanding of Hinduism as a dynamic, pluralistic tradition that continues to adapt and inspire. Click here for a promo video. https://vimeo.com/1137712232?fl=ml&fe=ec
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