Comparative Studies of Indian Religions

Course Title: Comparative Studies of Indian Religions

  • Course Code: RELS 204
  • Credits: 3
  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Delivery: Online
  • Duration: 14 Weeks


Course Description:

This course offers a comparative examination of the major religious traditions that originated in the Indian subcontinent—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It explores their historical developments, core teachings, rituals, philosophical systems, social implications, and their interactions over time. Special attention is given to similarities and differences in metaphysics, ethics, spiritual practices, and views on liberation.


Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the historical and cultural context of Indian religions.
  2. Analyze the key doctrines and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
  3. Compare religious perspectives on concepts such as karma, dharma, moksha/nirvana, and the self.
  4. Critically assess the role of interreligious dialogue and conflict.
  5. Reflect on the relevance of Indian religious philosophies in contemporary issues.


Syllabus and Expanded Weekly Lesson Plans:

Week 1: Introduction to Indian Religions

  • Overview of the Indian subcontinent’s religious landscape
  • Key concepts: religion, philosophy, and spirituality
  • Indus Valley Civilization and early Vedic religion
  • Readings: Course packet excerpts; Intro from Knott & Smith
  • Activities: Map work, timelines, class discussion

Week 2: Foundations of Hinduism

  • The Vedas, Upanishads, epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana)
  • Rituals, caste, stages of life (ashramas)
  • Readings: Vedic hymns and Upanishad excerpts
  • Activities: Group discussion on dharma and social order

Week 3: Hindu Philosophical Schools

  • Introduction to six orthodox schools: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta
  • Focus on Advaita Vedanta and Yoga Sutras
  • Readings: Selections from Vedanta and Yoga texts
  • Activities: Compare paths of knowledge, action, and devotion

Week 4: Buddhism - Origins and Basic Teachings

  • Life of the Buddha
  • Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
  • Buddhist critique of Hindu ideas (e.g., Atman)
  • Readings: Dhammapada; Jataka tales
  • Activities: Reflection on suffering and desire

Week 5: Buddhist Philosophical Developments

  • Theravāda and Mahāyāna distinctions
  • Concepts: sunyata, bodhisattva, nirvana
  • Readings: Mahayana sutras; Abhidharma summary
  • Activities: Debate on enlightenment and compassion

Week 6: Jainism - Origins and Core Concepts

  • Mahavira and the Tirthankaras
  • Karma, ahimsa, and aparigraha
  • Readings: Jain Agamas excerpts; Long's intro to Jainism
  • Activities: Discussion on non-violence and ecology

Week 7: Jain Philosophy and Ethics

  • Anekantavada (non-absolutism)
  • Sallekhana and ascetic practices
  • Readings: Jain philosophical texts
  • Activities: Group presentation on Jain ethics in modern world

Week 8: Sikhism - Historical Background

  • Guru Nanak and the Ten Gurus
  • The formation of the Khalsa
  • Readings: Janamsakhis; selections from Guru Granth Sahib
  • Activities: Video documentary and discussion

Week 9: Sikh Theology and Practices

  • Ik Onkar, seva, simran
  • Guru Granth Sahib and daily rituals
  • Readings: Sikh code of conduct; hymns
  • Activities: Visit to a local gurdwara (if possible)

Week 10: Comparative Doctrines I

  • The Self: Atman, Anatman, Jiva, Soul
  • Rebirth, karma, and liberation
  • Readings: Comparative chart and summary essays
  • Activities: Class debate or panel discussion

Week 11: Comparative Doctrines II

  • God and Ultimate Reality
  • Rituals and worship
  • Sacred texts and symbols
  • Readings: Thematic comparisons
  • Activities: Student-led seminars

Week 12: Religion and Society

  • Caste, gender, and politics
  • Interfaith relations and social reform
  • Readings: Gandhi, Ambedkar, and modern voices
  • Activities: Case study analysis

Week 13: Contemporary Relevance

  • Religion in diaspora and globalization
  • Environmental ethics, human rights
  • Readings: Modern interpretations and critiques
  • Activities: Research presentations

Week 14: Course Review and Final Project

  • Review major themes and doctrines
  • Student presentations of final research papers
  • Activities: Peer feedback and reflection


Assessment Methods:

  • Class Participation: 10%
  • Weekly Quizzes and Reading Responses: 20%
  • Midterm Essay (Comparative Analysis): 20%
  • Group Presentation: 20%
  • Final Research Paper: 30%


Recommended Readings:

  • Knott, Kim. Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction
  • Smith, Huston & Novak, Philip. Buddhism: A Concise Introduction
  • Long, Jeffery D. Jainism: An Introduction
  • Singh, Nikky-Guninder Kaur. Sikhism: An Introduction
  • Primary texts: Vedas, Dhammapada, Jain Agamas, Guru Granth Sahib