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Hindu Ethics: An introduction to Samanya Dharma

Hindu Ethics: An introduction to Samanya Dharma

Samanya Dharma refers to ethical duties that every person is expected to practice in life in order to contribute to the building of an enlightened society. Practicing Hindus must continuously endeavor to align with these eternal principles, so as to attain fulfillment and happiness in life, and establish harmony and order in the larger society. 

This Indica Course is for learners looking for a deeper engagement with Sanatan Dharma, especially its ethical foundations.

COHORT COURSE
Duration
15 Hours
Date & Time

10 November 2021 - 12 January 2022

5-6:30 PM IST

Every Wednesday

Price

Course Fee: $50
Enrollment Manual
Medium of Instruction
English
Eligibility
16 years and above
Validity
One year from the beginning of the course
Delivery
Online through Indica Courses Learning Portal
Contact Details

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Introduction

The Hindu worldview is built around the principle of Dharma. As the name “Sanatana Dharma” itself denotes, Hindu philosophy and practice is essentially a perpetual striving for the actualization of the eternal principles of Dharma, which are understood as governing the life of entire universe and all the beings who inhabit in it. 

Samanya Dharma refers to ethical duties that every person is expected to practice in life in order to contribute to the building of an enlightened society. Practicing Hindus must continuously endeavor to align with these eternal principles, so as to attain fulfillment and happiness in life, and establish harmony and order in the larger society. 

This Indica Course is for learners looking to understand the ethical teachings of Hindu Dharma and anchor themselves to Dharmic principles.  

Expected Outcomes

This Indica Course will provide

  • A comprehensive perspective on Dharma, its definition, and types
  • An overview of different sources of Dharma and how to understand them
  • A detailed enunciation on different ethical tenets that are enunciated in Sruti, Smriti, Itihasa, Purana and other Hindu texts
  • An understanding of the practical relevance of Samanya Dharma in one’s life, society, and spiritual journey
  • An introduction to the notion of ‘Vishesha Dharma’ and ‘Adharma’

Syllabus

  • Introduction: Purusharthas & Finding Meaning in Life 
  • What is Dharma?  Definition & Types
    1. Definition of Dharma
    2. Rta, Satya & Dharma
    3. Types of Dharma-I: Pravritti & Nivritti Dharma
    4. Types of Dharma-II: Samanya & Vishesha Dharma
  • How to determine Dharma & Adharma? Notion of Pramana
    1. Definition & Types of Pramanas
    2. Shabda Pramana
    3. Dharmashastras as the principal means of knowing Dharma
  • Tenets of Samanya Dharma: A Review of Primary Texts 
    1. Sruti
    2. Smriti
    3. Itihasa
    4. Purana
    5. Other texts
  • Samanya Dharma, Society, & Spirituality 
  • An Introduction to Vishesha Dharma 
  • Decoding Adharma

Reading List

Textbook Used: Samanya Dharma- Ethical Duties common to all by Nithin Sridhar

Primary Texts: Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Mahabharata, Puranas, and more

Faculty
teacher

Nithin Sridhar

Nithin Sridhar has a degree in Civil Engineering. After working in the field of construction for some time, he has been writing on various subjects such as social issues, development, politics, religion, spirituality, and ecology.

He is the Chief Curator of Advaita Academy dedicated to the dissemination of Advaita Vedanta. Earlier, he served as the Editor of IndiaFacts- a portal on Indian history and culture. He is based in Mysuru, Karnataka.

His first book “Musings On Hinduism” provided an overview of various aspects of Hindu philosophy and society. His book ‘Samanya Dharma’ enunciates upon general tenets of ethics as available in Hindu texts. His latest book ‘Isopanishad: An English Commentary’ is an English translation and commentary on one of the prominent Hindu texts. However, his most widely read book is “Menstruation Across Cultures: A Historical Perspective” which examines menstruation notions and practices prevalent in different cultures & religions from across the world.