Science of Living Programme
Programme Description
Prerequisites: Either successful completion of the Orientation Programme or the passing of an entrance test of basic English and academic skills.
Starting times: Entrance at the beginning of either semester: August 15 or February 21.
Duration: 16 weeks, full-time; 32 weeks, half-time.
Credits: 12
Description:
This programme consists of four short courses. Each course focuses on a set of practical issues pertaining to life and yogic practice from the perspectives of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother as recorded in their letters and conversations, as well as insights provided by their disciples. Full-time learners are expected to work on the course material approximately 30 hours per week (15 hours for half-time learners). For each short course, learners' time (i.e. 7.5 hours per week) should be utilized for completing readings, online discussions with their facilitators, practical exercises, online educational activities, a written assignment of at least 1,000 words.
Description of Courses
The Science of Living (SOL 01)
Whatever may be one's aim or ideal in life, it cannot be fully and satisfactorily realised unless one has realised perfection in oneself. The first step towards this integral self-perfection is to know oneself and to control oneself. And, for this, one has to begin by knowing the different parts of one's being – the outer as well as the inner. What are these? A brief but clear analysis will be given in this short course. The second step is to take up the fourfold discipline of self-perfection. The psychic discipline is the starting point. In this course the learner will endeavour to know how to identify the psychic being, and will also learn about the different ways of achieving an identification with it. Along with this inner discovery, a development of the mind has also to be perceived. What do we mean by the ‘development of the mind' and what are the ways to do it – that will be revealed during this course. The learner will also know the different ways to discipline the vital as well as the physical consciousness. The vital, ‘the seat of impulses and desires', needs to be brought under proper control if it is to collaborate in one's self-perfection. At the same time a healthy body full of strength, harmony and grace needs to be cultivated. This fourfold discipline is in reality an attempt to manifest our highest Truth in its four aspects of Love, Knowledge, Power and Beauty.
Governed by the Soul (SOL 02)
Essentially, the soul is the divine spark in man. The psychic being, the psychological centre of our being, is formed progressively around this spark in the course of its innumerable lives in the terrestrial evolution. The psychic being, though in direct touch with the divine Truth, is veiled by the surface movements expressed by the physical, vital and mental being of man. This course helps one to become more conscious of the nature, action and influence of the psychic being, as well as the different ways to contact the psychic being and to bring it to the forefront in one's life. Then, gradually, it could govern, direct and organise one's consciousness and the different parts of one's being. It is thus, by living in one's innermost being, the psychic being, that one could live a life beyond the sorrows and struggles of life. In the process of explaining the steps of the growth of the psychic being and the psychic transformation, the learner would also be exposed to Sri Aurobindo's analyses of the different parts and planes of one's being. A kindling of an inner aspiration for a spiritual life that is governed by the soul may be the true reward for the learner taking this course.
Working with the Divine in Matter (SOL 03)
In Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, the Divine is in all things and all beings. In this course, we will consider the ramifications of this proposition for daily life. We will consider and work to develop attitudes and a living vision and approach that is consistent with this view towards our fellow beings, our work and activities, our physical bodies, and our handling of material things. Readings from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on these topics will be supplemented with journal writing and practical exercises to foster these attitudes and this vision.
Purification and Transformation of the Vital Nature (SOL 04)
This course examines Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's writings on the character and change of the vital nature. The vital includes the varied play of emotions, energies of endeavour and accomplishment, desire, passion, and instinctual craving. It is the seat of much inner conflict and difficulty in life and in yoga. Through discussion of the readings, journal writing, and experiential exercises, this course will help illumine this typically obscure and tumultuous part of the nature, show ways to calm and quiet its trouble, and help to find the true vital being, with its strength, calm, and surrender to the Divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are there any prerequisites for studying the Science of Living Programme?
Yes. The learner must either successfully complete the Certificate Programme , or pass the entrance test in the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. In some cases exceptions can be made at the discretion of faculty.
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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) May I take a single course listed under the Science of Living Programme without gaining formal admission into this Programme?
Yes. You may apply to take one or more individual courses, but you must complete an application form, applying under the Individual Courses category, meet our entrance and registration requirements, including full payment of fees.
