Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow

1) Is the University a religious institution?
No, the philosophy and thought of Sri Aurobindo in which the University specialises is not a religion. It addresses the global and perennial questions of the nature and significance of existence and human life in a scholarly manner.

2) Where is the University located?
Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow is a project of the Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (S.A.C.A.R.) and is based in Pondicherry, southern India, near the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. To contact the University please write, email, or telephone:

The Sri Aurobindo Centre of Advanced Research (S.A.C.A.R.)
39 Vanniar Street, Vaithikuppam
Pondicherry – 605012
INDIA

3) Can I study on site at the University?
Yes, the University accepts learners to study on site during the day. Learners cannot live permanently on site, but there is plenty of accommodation nearby at very reasonable costs that the University arranges for any learners who require that facility.

4) Does the University provide accredited Degree and Certificate programmes?
Yes. The University of Tomorrow offers a master's degree and a doctoral degree programme in collaboration with Hindu University of America. The University of Tomorrow also provides Certificate Programmes that are recognized by the State of Pondicherry, India.

5) What distinguishes this University from other higher educational institutions?
Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow specialises in the thought and yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and in studying how the vision embodied in their work can be made applicable to the development of human beings and human life.

6) What kind of research is being done at Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow?
The research work of the University's scholars focuses on all areas concerned with the human condition from the perspective provided by Sri Aurobindo, and in the light of his studies in various fields of philosophy, yoga, polity, culture, literature, education, and futurity.

7) Why was this University established?
Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow was a dream-vision of Professor V. Madhusudhan Reddy. It envisioned a wide forum for making the vision, thought and yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother more accessible and realisable. Requests to this effect had been coming in from learners, researchers, and others interested in this philosophy and yoga, and so work to develop the University was officially started in 2003. The University aims to provide programmes of study on these issues with a learner-oriented approach that is designed to accommodate two aspects of the learner: intellectual demands, and the search for spiritual knowledge and development.

Computing

What computing infrastructure and expertise do I require to study online?

You will require the following infrastructure:

1. A computer with at least 128MB of RAM (recommended 256 MB)
2. 56Kb internet connection (DSL or cable preferred)
3. Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, or Netscape 6.0 or higher
4. A word processing application preferably Microsoft Word.
5. An audio application such as Windows Media Player, Real Audio, or Winamp
6. An active e-mail account that will accept attachments up to 2MB
7. Printing facility to print forms and course materials from the internet

No special expertise is required to study online. A good working knowledge of working on the internet (www searches, messaging, e-mailing, etc), of word-processing documents and sending them to others via e-mail will be sufficient for you to begin your online study. If you have this basic working knowledge, any skills you may need to acquire that you do not already possess can be easily learned.

Resources

1) What facilities are available on site at the University for visiting learners and researchers?
The University is situated in a building of approximately 10,000 sq. feet with two large lecture halls; a library; offices, a meditation room; guest rooms; a kitchen, and a spacious terrace overlooking the ocean. The library is home to approximately 2000 texts in a wide variety of subjects and specialises in literature by and about Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, their philosophy and yoga.

2) What online facilities does the University provide for its courses?
In the password protected area of the website are virtual classrooms for each of the classes being offered. These classrooms function in a manner similar to an email discussion group, in which each member can send text messages to the other members and respond to their messages. Reading assignments for the class may be posted in the classrooms by the facilitator of the course, but often learners may be required to purchase or borrow text books for their reading assignments. Typically, facilitators will stimulate discussions among the class-members of the reading material with specific thought-provoking questions, and these discussions are organized according to the topic-question. Learners may also pose their own questions about the course material in the classroom.

There is a general discussion cafe, which operates similar to the classrooms, except that it is open to all learners and facilitators of the university, and discussions are informal and are not directed by a particular facilitator. This facility provides an opportunity to interact with learners and facilitators taking other classes and programmes. It is intended primarily for discussion of academic or spiritual issues. If there is sufficient interest, it is possible to set up additional discussion arenas focused on a particular topic.

There is a facility for writing to and receiving private messages from other members of the university. This facility provides a way for learners to interact with facilitators or other class members about personal issues or about sensitive issues related to the content or management of the course.

There is also a weblinks facility, which provides instant access to a wealth of online books, articles, photographs, and recordings related to Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's yoga.

In addition to the facilitators who are scholars knowledgeable about the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and have experience in their spiritual practices, the University has established close contact with leaders in the field in both the theoretical and applied spheres. These leaders can be called upon as resources when deemed appropriate, and may also provide occasional Q and A sessions.

The University has access to a fund of articles that have been published solely in journals belonging to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. These articles are being collected and properly archived by the scholars of the University and may be made available as reading assignments or as resources for learners independent research.

1) How do I apply?
1. If you have questions you need answered before applying, please look over our website, but you may also contact us directly by email or phone. Click on the Contact Us tab for contact information.

2. A learner application form is available under the Join Us tab. Complete the application before the application deadline.

3. We will review the application, and then, if appropriate, schedule a time for you to complete the entrance test, which we will send by email. We give two days to complete the test and return it by email.

4. Within one week the University will inform you as to the outcome of your application.

2) What happens if my application is successful?
1. If your application is successful, you must then register with the University. A learner registration will be sent to you by email. Complete the form, and return it as an email attachment to our office. You must also send us a signed paper copy, along with your application and tuitions fees, to our address printed on the form.

2. The University will then send you a username and password that will enable you to enter the password protected areas of the University.

1. An avid interest in the vision, thought, and yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

1) Are there any prerequisites for studying the Orientation Programme?
Yes. You must have university-level skills in English reading comprehension and writing.

2) What subjects are covered in the Orientation Programme?
The Programme consists of a one-week introductory module and five three-week modules in the major subject areas that were treated by Sri Aurobindo: Nationalism and the Indian Tradition, Social and Political Thought, Integral Philosophy Yoga and Life, and Poetry of the Spirit.

3) Why should I study the Orientation Programme?
The Orientation Programme is a fully facilitated programme. For each module, the learner is provided with a facilitator who is an expert in the subject and who is available to assist and answer questions throughout the period of study. The facilitators will guide you through this overview by analysing samples of Sri Aurobindo's writings. The facilitator sets assignments and engages the learner in guided and in-depth discussions of the subject matter in a serious academic forum.

4) How many months does the Orientation Programme last?
The programme must be completed within 16 weeks (i.e. one semester). Please see Programme Schedule for this year's programme dates.

5) How much does the Orientation Programme cost?
Please see Fee Structures for this year's tuition fees.

6) Is the Orientation an accredited programme?
A certificate is issued to the learner when the programme has been successfully completed bearing the title of Sri Aurobindo Learner. The value of this certificate is that a learner with no formal knowledge of the thought and writings of Sri Aurobindo but who wishes to pursue the Academic Programme offered by the University can do so.

7) Can I choose my facilitator?
No. The Orientation Programme is facilitated by a team of scholars specialising in the various subjects reviewed.

8) Does this course provide Advanced Standing for other programmes offered by Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow?
No. However, for learners with no prior knowledge of the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, it provides a good foundation for further study of this subject matter.

1) Are there any prerequisites for studying the Science of Living Programme?
Yes. The learner must either successfully complete the Orientation Programme, or pass the entrance test in the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

2) How many months does the programme last?
The programme must be completed within 4 months (i.e. one semester) for full-time students, and 8 months (i.e. two semesters) for half-time students. Please see Programme Schedules for this year's programme dates.

3) How much does the programme cost?
Please see Fee Structures for this year's tuition fees.

4) What is the level of difficulty?
This courses in this programme are roughly comparable in difficulty to a typical undergraduate college course. Similar reading and comprehension skills are required, and an introductory background in Sri Aurobindo's thought is recommended.

5) Can I choose my facilitator?
No. For this programme the learner chooses courses, for which the facilitator is fixed.

6) How is the Science of Living Programme different from the Academic Programme in Sri Aurobindo's Thought?
The Science of Living Programme focuses on practical aspects of the spiritual life, whereas the Academic Programme focuses more on theoretical and scholarly issues in a variety of subject areas. The Academic Programme, however, includes within it study of the practical aspects of spiritual life through the completion of two courses from the Science of Living Programme.

7) What is the method of evaluation for this programme?
The learner's work is evaluated through written assignments, tests, and discussions, and any other methods the facilitator may consider helpful. The facilitator informs the learner as to which of the assignments and participatory events will be graded and that thus count towards the final evaluation.

If you gain acceptance into the Science of Living Programme or Academic Programme within one year of completing an individual course(s), the course(s) may be credited to the programme, but there are certain restrictions:

1) Individual Courses do not guarantee your acceptance into a programme of study, and
2) a maximum of two Science of Living courses can be credited to this programme.

1) What are the prerequisites for studying the Academic Programme?
You will require: a bachelors degree in any subject or any other higher education certificate, and you must either successfully complete the Orientation Programme, or pass the entrance test in the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

2) Can I study the Academic Programme if I do not possess any higher education certificate?
At the discretion of the University's Director, a learner without any higher education certificate may embark upon the Academic Programme.

If you gain acceptance into the Academic Programme within one year of completing an individual course(s), the course(s) may be credited to the programme, but there are certain restrictions:

1) individual courses do not guarantee your acceptance onto a programme of study, and
2) a maximum of four individual courses can be credited to this Programme.

4) What subjects are offered in the Academic Programme?
This Programme offers courses in nine of the major subject areas that were treated by Sri Aurobindo. The subjects are: Integral Philosophy and Metaphysics, Integral Yoga Psychology, the Psychology of Social Development, Towards Human Unity (Sri Aurobindo's Political Thought), India's Spirit and Form, Literature for the Future, Lights on Indian Scriptures, Integral Education, and the Vision of the Future. The availability of courses depends upon the availability of facilitators specialising in these subjects.

5) How long does the Academic Programme last?
The Academic Programme lasts for three semesters (i.e. 12 months) for full-time learners, and six semesters (i.e. 24 months) for half-time learners.

6) Can the Academic Programme be studied full-time or half-time?
Yes. The learner can choose to follow a full-time or half-time programme of study.

8) Can I choose my facilitator for the Academic Programme?
No. The University selects facilitators for all its courses according to the subject matter being studied.

9) Can the Academic Programme be studied as the first year of the Advanced Research Programme?
The University treats the two programmes separately. Completion of the Academic Programme does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the Advanced Research Programme. If after completing the Academic Programme you are accepted into the Advanced Research Programme, you will not need to undertake the otherwise compulsory one or two semester-long required courses at the start of the Advanced Research Programme.

1) What are the prerequisites for studying the Advanced Research Programme?
For learners who have taken the Academic Programme with the University, a synopsis of their proposed thesis (2 pages) is required. For new learners:

A. An M.A., M.Phil., or equivalent of these, in any subject
B. Successful completion of an entrance test in integral philosophy and yoga

2) How long does the Advanced Research Programme last?
This programme lasts for a maximum of three and a half years for full-time learners and seven years for half-time learners. A six month extension period is allowed in extenuating circumstances or at the discrimination of the facilitator.

3) Can the Advanced Research Programme be studied full-time or half-time?
Yes.

4) How much does the Advanced Research Programme cost?
Please see Fee Structures

5) How is my facilitator chosen for the Advanced Research Programme?
The facilitator is chosen according to the subject matter that the learner wishes to study and the approach that the learner wishes to take to that subject matter.