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Course Descriptions – Integral Knowledge Systems (IKS)
IMA603 Integral Yoga Psychology 5 Credits
This course covers the basics of Integral Yoga Psychology as developed by Sri Aurobindo. Purna Yoga or Integral Yoga is a vast synthesis of the various schools of yoga, and provides a systematic and logical process to observe the psychological processes that go on in one’s inner self with a goal to transform human way of thinking, seeing, feeling, and being into a deep and wide spiritual consciousness and an integrated inner and outer existence. Topics covered in this class include the various planes and parts of the being; the fundamentals and basic approaches of spiritual practice in integral yoga; spiritual experiences and realizations; the stages of transformation of the consciousness; the transformation of the outer nature; difficulties in practice and practical considerations.
IMA604 Self-Awareness and Transformation 5 Credits
Integral Yoga is a vast synthesis of the various schools of yoga, and provides a systematic and logical process to observe the psychological processes that go on in one’s inner self with a goal to transform human way of thinking, seeing, feeling, and being into a deep and wide spiritual consciousness and an integrated inner and outer existence. The starting point for the transformational integral yoga is self-awareness: becoming aware of the different parts of human nature, their character and movements, and of a distinct consciousness of a divine nature. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the main parts and planes of the human being as a preliminary step towards knowing oneself. The second part of the course introduces the learner to a fourfold discipline of the different parts of the being leading to an integral self – perfection.
IMA605 Integral Social Transformation 5 Credits
Many believe that the present social crisis and upheaval concerning individuals, communities, states, and nations can be addressed by developing a new vision and a new hope. This course examines the necessity of a spiritual transformation as the only and permanent solution to the present day crisis of consciousness. We also explore the conditions that need to be fulfilled by individuals and by the group-soul for an advent of such a spiritual age in the spiral of social evolution. The sociology, politics, economics of a spiritual society will also be examined.
IMA606 Applied Integral Psychology: East and West 5 Credits
Integral Psychology as a framework provides a common ground for many major schools of psychology and human consciousness from both Eastern and Western perspectives in response to our search for meaning, healing and wholeness. The scientific mindset prevalent in traditional Western psychology when combined with the systematic approach to inner inquiry developed by Eastern yogis can provide a strong, balanced and multi-dimensional therapeutic approach that can address many modern ills. This course will explore the practical applications of Integral Psychology from both the Eastern and Western perspectives, covering such subjects as: What is Integral Psychology in practice? How can I develop an integral approach in my life and work? What are the elements that make my life and practice integral and how can they be developed? Learning activities will include reading, discussion, introspection, and experiential exploration of spiritual practices, contemplation and written assignments. This course will be useful for people interested in various helping professions such as psychotherapists, counselors and health care professionals who are seeking to develop means to address the spiritual dimension in their work.
IMA607 Spirituality for Helping Professions 5 Credits
This course is designed to help complementary and preventive healers, and mental health and other medical professionals explore and examine various issues surrounding spirituality and religion in their professional setting. Students will explore their own spiritual and religious beliefs, influences and experiences in order to develop an empathetic and compassionate understanding to work with their clients in a non-judgmental and constructive way.
IMA609 Meditation: Theory & Techniques 5 Credits
This course will help the student acquire the necessary theoretical as well as experiential learning required to develop a personal balanced and sustainable meditation practice, as well as to understand the role that meditation plays in the spiritual traditions studied. Through a mix of various learning opportunities, the student will gain a broad overview of meditation traditions with special focus on Yogic and Buddhist traditions. The other focus of the class will be on learning essential meditation principles and developing skills such as focusing the mind, purification of mind and enhancing awareness of the present moment. Time will also be spent on researching the benefits of mindfulness practices such as meditation for psychological and emotional well being in modern times.
IMA613 Integral Education 5 Credits
This course covers the basics of Integral Education as developed by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (known as The Mother). This educational philosophy and approach aims to develop the whole person, including the spiritual part, by bringing out what is latent in the being and seeking to emerge. Thus, it is a learner-centered approach, grounded in the individual student’s unique personality, capacities, and style and rhythm of progress. The focus of this course is on the nature and training of the spiritual, psychic, mental, vital, and physical parts of the being. It also covers various practical insights into the educational process. Towards the latter part of the course, the student will also learn briefly about the educational philosophies of two other Indian thinkers – Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. This will be done primarily for developing a broader understanding and appreciation of holistic approaches to education as emerging from within Indian thought.
IMA602 Spiritual Traditions of India 5 Credits
This course will give the student a broad overview of spiritual foundations of Indian culture from its ancient times to contemporary scenario. A learner who is keen to understand and experience an inner dimension of life will gain considerably from this course focusing on selected contributions of Indian culture in this regard. Some of the course readings and assignments will also help the student develop an appreciation for spiritual expression as the basis of arts, aesthetics, and other human enterprise. In addition to providing an overview of key spiritual traditions of India, this course also presents students with an opportunity to engage in cross-cultural study and analysis.
IMA616 Transpersonal Inquiry 5 credits
This course covers basic approaches and methods in transpersonal research. Approaches examined include integral inquiry, intuitive inquiry, phenomenological approaches, organic research, and studies of exceptional human experience. Guidance and examples are considered in the collecting and processing of subjective, experiential data, the validity of findings, ethical considerations in research, and communicating the findings. The course will proceed through readings and discussions, the development of a research proposal utilizing one or more of the approaches examined, and the execution of a mini- research project and the development of a report on the study.
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