For centuries, Islam has been part of Indian culture. Non-Muslims, however, have no understanding of Islam. Without understanding, there can be no unity in Indian life. What we need is ‘understanding’ rather than ‘tolerance.’
The Sufi tradition, one of Islam’s philosophies, has played a significant role in Indian spiritual thought and Indian arts (especially music). Without realising it, it is impossible to understand Indian literature and art.
Islamist politicians, who only foster division, cannot impart any understanding. Only those who learn Islamic philosophy can attain such understanding. In today’s climate of hatred and divisiveness, deep mutual awareness can be a real reaction against this situation.
Even today, Muslims understand Islam in two ways. Religious and political. There are very few classes devoted solely to philosophy like this.
Tamil Islam is a significant component of Tamil culture. The Tamil epic tradition has greatly contributed to the Tamil literary tradition. Readers of Tamil literature and lovers of Tamil culture should know it.
Nisha Manzoor, a poet and Islamic scholar, will teach this class, which will cover the history of Islam, its philosophy, its global Sufi tradition, and Tamil Sufi literature.
July 12 13 and 14 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
write to [email protected]
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Classes on Saiva Philosophy
It is a historical fact that the four principal philosophies of India originated in the ancient Tamil land.
- Dignnaga, Dharmakirti developed Vignanavada Buddhism of Dharmapala (Pallavanadu. Kanchipuram. Common Era 5th-6th century)
- Shankara’s Advaita (Seranadu, Kaladi CE 8th-9th century)
- Ramanuja’s Visishtadvaita (Pallavanadu, Sriperumbudur CE 12th century)
- Saiva Siddhanta of Meikandar (Chola Nadu, Tiruvennainallur CE 13th century)
It is disgraceful if a thinking Tamil does not have basic knowledge about these philosophies. The youngest of these is Saivism. Hence, the side of Shaivaism is more complete than all the previous ones. It is said to have emerged in Indian thought by conversing with all that preceded it and gathering answers to all questions.
The philosophy that permeated Tamil culture was Saiva Sidhanta. The roots of its wisdom can be found in texts like the Thirumandiram, and Saiva literature. We can find its traits in Tamil archaeology. Saiva Sidhanta contains myths and images unique to Tamil. Saiva Siddhanta education is a journey towards the roots of living Tamil culture.
These classes will be conducted in a simple and modern-minded manner. Religion is not emphasised. So all enthusiasts like Vaishnavites, Atheists, Christians and Muslims, can participate. A basic interest in learning is enough for participation.
Date June 7,8 and 9 ( Friday, Saturday and Monday)
write to [email protected]
Introductory Bible classes
Many of the participants said that a previous Bible class that a friend, Cyril Alex, who had studied formal Christian theology, had taught had been an experience. There is no other place where the Bible is so taught with its spirituality and aesthetics for modern readers.
The Bible is the most important historical and cultural document for modern European art and modern European literature. This is an introductory class on how to approach it.
Also reaching out to the Bible spiritually is a profound journey. This is not religious education. No worship or prayer is attached to it. An education to know the Bible through one’s spiritual journey
As well as training to achieve holistic knowledge and understanding in conjunction with other philosophies
These classes will take place on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd
J. Rajagopalan
The sacred Four thousand verses (Nalayira Divyaprabandha) is the fertile ground where Vaishnava philosophy originated. Approaching it intellectually and knowing its Tamil flavor is essential for understanding present day Tamil culture. It can be said that those who do not know Tamil are illiterate. Four classes of Vaishnava Literature Introductory Camp have taken place before this. Letters have been pouring in, saying that each was a great learning and emotional experience.
Date June 28, 29 and 30 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
write to [email protected]
Buddhist Philosophy – Vipassana Meditation Camp
V. Amalan Stanley
Notable Tamil poet and novelist V. Amalan Stanley is working as a senior scientist in biotechnology.
In 2005, V. Amalan Stanley Bodhi, who began his Buddhist journey with Goenka meditation practice, received Zen training at Gento. In 2008, he received direct training from Zen monk Thik Nhat Hung in Vietnam. In 2010, he brought Vipassana teacher Patrick Kearney from Australia to Bodhi Zento Center in Kodaikanal for three years. He also learned to conduct penance camps regularly from him. Sogyema Rinpoche trained him in Tibetan Mahamudra, Tsokchen, in 2013.
Two and a half years of training and certification by The Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California (MMTCP) as a teacher of mindfulness meditation.
We don’t know the origin of yoga. It was defined by Patanjali as a branch of Sangya philosophy. Later, Jainism developed. It was the Buddhists who perfected it. The Buddhist yoga tradition gave birth to the modern meaning of meditation. Asankara, Vasubandhu, Diknagar, Nagarjuna, Dharmakirti, Dharmasena, and Dharmapala, its tradition of teachers. Through Bodhidharma it went to China and from there, it went to Japan and became Zen Buddhism. It went to Tibet through Padmasambhava and became Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is called Vajrayana.
The yogic tradition that Buddhism developed has largely disappeared in India, although its rudiments persist in some form. We can learn the Buddhist meditation-philosophical tradition from the Buddhist traditions of Tibet, Japan, and Thailand where it grew and flourished. This exercise is an attempt to do so.
V. Amalan Stanley is offering to conduct these trainings, which were conducted only for high technology workers, as per our request.
Dates July 5, 6 & 7 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
write to [email protected]
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Upcoming Events
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Training for reading Non-fiction
All Places are full
Gurupurnima – The Day of Venmurasu
Sunday 21st July is Gurupurnima day. We celebrate it as Venmurasu day every year.
Everyone can participate
write to [email protected]
Yoga Introduction Classes
A basic yoga training camp conducted by yoga teacher Soundar. It is for those who are just getting introduced to yoga and those who want to know a little about it and practice it properly. Soundar belongs to the Sivananda Yogic tradition. Properly trained. He runs an organisation called Satyananda Yoga Centre. He gives yoga exercises in a completely traditional way.
We present these exercises as we have found them very helpful for two kind of people
- These provide relief to the younger generation, who are suffering from body aches, various ailments and exhaustion due to constant sedentary lifestyle and boredom of indoor life.
- A very sedentary lifestyle, various body aches, fatigue, and other health issues are the usual symptoms of old age.
Separate trainings are given to these two type of people, considering their health condition. Participation in a camp is limited to less than fifty. Therefore, direct communication with the teacher will lead to dialogue. It is a traditional wisdom that a yoga teacher should guide all lifestyles from the position of guru.
Although these practices belong to the Hindu tradition, we present them as secular. No religious belief or ritual is involved with these exercises. All religions and atheists can participate
Date: July 26 27 and 28 (Friday Saturday and Monday)
For contact, write to [email protected]
Philosophy First Stage Class
Indian Philosophy Class I is returning, as many people have requested. The first class is the undertaking that we will complete the whole class. So first class does not happen often. Priority will be given to subsequent classes
Dates: August 2, 3 and 4 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
(All places are full.)
Temple Arts: Training, Secondary Level
This is the next level of training for those who have attended the temple training camps that have taken place so far. In this, the Jayakumar will teach what needs to be learned more and what needs to be observed, particularly in a temple.
He will also teach us how to make this education useful for ourselves and others. Aspirants will be taught how to take a temple, thoroughly research it, document it and write it into a short book.
Doing this in small groups gives the doers deep attention and training in the art of the temple. It will be the start of the great work of recording our temples.
Date: August 16 17 & 18 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Introduction to German Philosophy
German philosophy, from Kant to Heidegger. An introduction.
Conducted by Ajithan.
August 23, 24 & 25 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
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