Sanatan Dharma

Sanatana Dharma 101

Offered by International Hindu University (IHU)
Tutor: Professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University, USA
Adjunct Faculty, International Hindu University

Spring-Summer 2025 Session (Online)
Thursday and Fridays (8-8.50 PM USCST)

Summary: The class is aimed at enriching the interest and knowledge in way of life, “Sanatana Dharma,” according to ancient texts. These texts are commonly referred to as “Hindu texts,” while Sanatana Dharma is the proper term to refer to the way of living according to Sanatana texts. The term “Hindu,” is more prevalent and the class will have the liberty to use this term.

Course Structure: The course is organized into 13 sections/modules. The lecture format will be followed with emphasis on interaction among participants.
Time: The class will meet virtually two days per week. In case a class must be cancelled, efforts will be made to compensate. Each class will be for a period of 50 minutes.

Evaluation: Participants in the class will be evaluated based on attendance, engagement and interaction in the class.

Each student will be required to write two long papers/reports and 1-2 brief reports based on topics of interest relating to theme of the course.

Outcome: It is the desire of the tutor that the reports turned in by the students will result in publishable work. This depends on the topic, content, and the quality of the work.

Course Content

• Module 1: Brief introduction on Sanatana Dharma. Philosophy vs. Religion. Authoritative texts called Pramanas (Vedas). If time permits, brief discussion will involve comparative religions.
• Module 2: Authoritative texts such as Vedas, Upanishads, Sastras, etc.
• Module 3: Ithihasas and Puranas
• Module 4: Ithihasas and Puranas
• Module 5: Ithihasas and Puranas
• Module 6: Bhakti Path and Saints
• Module 7: Devotional Saints (continued)
• Module 8: Bhakti Texts of South India
• Module 9: Bhakti Texts (other)
• Module 10: Discussions on Bhagavatham
• Module 11: Discussion on Bhaktmal and Ramcharitha Manas
• Module 12: Vedantha Dharsanas
• Module 13: Concluding discussions and further thoughts.