REL 231 - Yogis, Ascetics, and Monks in Indian Religions

FDR: HU
Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter 2013 and alternate years.

Indian yogis, monks and ascetics pursue extraordinary paths that invert the normal aims and values of society. This course surveys the ideas on mental and physical training that developed in India; their conceptual basis; the range of techniques used; and their philosophical development in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The course seeks to answer such questions as: “What is the purpose of these teachings and for whom were they designed?” “What roles do yogis and ascetics play in religious life?” and “What is their ethical status in the world?” Lubin.