REL 231 - Body and Soul in India

FDR: HU Humanities Distribution
Credits: 3

Seeking to understand the innermost self and its relation to the mind, the body, and the world, yogis and ascetics pursue extraordinary paths that invert the normal aims and values of society. This course surveys ideas on mental and physical training; their conceptual basis; the range of techniques used; and their philosophical development. Course material is drawn from a diverse range of religions that may include Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, and Christian. The course seeks to answer such questions as: “How can we live in our bodies while realizing spiritual potential?” “What roles do yogis and ascetics play in society?” and “What is their ethical status in the world?”