Two Courses
Indian Psychology

Academic year 2009 - 2010

 

These two courses focus on the needs of post-graduate students, teachers and professionals in Psychology and related subjects, who want to get a basic understanding of Indian approaches to Psychology.  They offer an introduction to Indian Psychology, based on the work of Sri Aurobindo, and cover topics like philosophical background; self and personality; cognition and modes of knowing; motivation and the aim of life; emotions and attitudes; individual change and development; relationships; professional work involving psychology (education, therapy, organisational psychology, etc.); research methodologies.

Information transfer is, however, only one aspect of these courses. The central focus is on increasing one's self-knowledge, and on developing those psychological skills and attitudes that help in one's personal growth. It is, after all, only to the extent that one understands one's own self and is able to apply that understanding in life, that one can help others.

1. "Pondicherry course": 8-day intensive + 6 weekends in Pondicherry
   • Eight-day intensive in Pondicherry: June 7 - June 14, 2009
   • Six weekends in Pondicherry between August 2009 and March 2010.
     For the exact dates see below.
2. "Delhi course": 8-day intensive in Pondicherry; 6 weekends in Delhi
   • Eight-day intensive in Pondicherry: June 7 - June 14, 2009
   • Six weekends in New-Delhi between August 2009 and March 2010.
     For the exact dates see below.

 

Background

More and more people are becoming aware of the treasures which the Indian tradition can contribute to our psychological understanding of human nature. Indian literature, philosophy and yoga are based on a very deep insight in life and how it unfolds on this planet, and Indian approaches to psychology can add depth and meaning to psychological theory as well as practice. The life-affirming spirituality that is the very basis of the Indian civilization is not only essential for our own individual happiness, but also for the harmonious evolution of the global civilization. In theoretical fields as well as in applications like counselling, psychotherapy and education, Indian approaches to psychology are not only more in harmony with the Indian culture but also with human nature in general, so that they can play a crucial role in the future of the whole of humanity. In each of these courses we try to develop a genuinely integral approach to psychology, for which we base ourselves largely on Sri Aurobindo's synthesis of the Indian tradition, though other sources are brought in when needed.

 

Content and structure of the courses

• The basic concepts and processes that are part of Indian psychology are explained in lectures and discussion groups that are based on an intense, direct interaction with the participants. To the extent possible we have, besides the larger groups, also small-group and individual sessions.
• An attempt is made to help the participants experience the core concepts and processes that come up in the lectures, and to explore, both collectively and individually, how they can be used for one's personal growth as well as in one's professional work.
• During the course the participants are required to take up one or more research projects in any area of Indian psychology of their choice. These largely self-directed projects must involve besides literature study, detached self-observation and other yoga-based research methodologies.
• Maintaining a diary will be part of the course structure.

 

Pondicherry Course

• The one-year course in Pondicherry starts with an eight-day intensive in Pondicherry, June 7-14, 2009.
• During the following academic year, there are six weekend workshops in Pondicherry.
  The dates of these weekends are: August 1-2, September 5-6, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, and December 5-6 in 2009, plus February 6-7 and March 6-7 in 2010.
• During these workshops there is opportunity to discuss individually or in small groups the projects which the participants do at home during the intervening months.
• As Pondicherry is well-connected, applicants from all over South-India can apply.
• The total fee for this course is Rs. 4000/-. This includes food plus accommodation in one of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram guesthouses in simple double and triple rooms. Individual and/or more fancy accommodation can be arranged at cost.

 

Delhi Course

• The Delhi course starts with the same eight-day intensive workshop in Pondicherry, June 7-14, 2009.
• During the following academic year, there are six weekend workshops in Delhi.
  The dates of these weekends are: August 8-9, September 12-13, November 7-8, and December 12-13 in 2009, plus February 13-14 and March 13-14 in 2010.
• During these workshops there is opportunity to discuss individually or in small groups the projects which the participants do at home during the intervening months.
• As Delhi is well connected, residents of other cities in North-India can also apply.
• The total fee for this course is set at Rs. 7500/-. This includes during the intensive workshop at Pondicherry food plus accommodation in one of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram guesthouses in simple double and triple rooms. Individual and/or more fancy accommodation can be arranged at cost. During the six weekends in New-Delhi, lunch and tea are provided. If required, we can arrange accommodation at cost in the Delhi Branch of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (presently Rs. 250 per person per night).

Please note that for both courses, the 8 day intensive and the six weekends go together: It is not possible to do only the intensive or only the weekends. The reason for this arrangement is that in our experience singular workshops tend to be instructive and inspiring, but the inner change that they bring about, doesn't last. The six weekends, spread over the following year, help to turn the changes which have been initiated during the intensive into an integral and permanent part of one's life and work.

 

Scholarships

The fees mentioned above are an attempt at covering our expenses, but we would not like financial constraints to stand in the way of anybody's participation. In case of difficulty, please feel free to contact us.

 

Course facilitators

The main facilitators are Matthijs Cornelissen and Neeltje Huppes. Amongst other available resource persons we are happy to have Alok Pandey, Vladimir Iatsenko, Suneet Varma, Vijaybharti, and Partho.

 

Registration

• To register, the following needs to be submitted:
  1. The completed registration form (see below).
  2. A 300-600 word biographical note, focusing on the work you have already done in the fields of psychology, Indian philosophy and yoga.
  3. A 300-600 word note on why you are interested in this course, what you expect from it, and how you plan to use what you will learn after completing this course.
• There are only limited seats, so if you are interested, please register at the earliest, but not later than April 20, 2009. 
• Please don't send the fees before you have received our acceptance email.

 

Further information

For any further information, you may please write to matthijs@ipi.org.in.

 

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Registration Form

Please submit this form (plus the two appendixes mentioned above) as early as possible, but not later than April 20, to:  matthijs@ipi.org.in

 

Course for which participation is sought:

 

Name:

Gender:

Year of birth:

Educational qualifications:

 

Present position & place of work:

 

 

Preferred Postal Address:

 

 

Email address(es):

 

Telephone / Mobile:

 

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