Archives: Lectures

Madhvacarya’s mitigated monotheism

In this lecture Dr Sarma will examine the distinguishing characteristics of Madhva Vedanta, a school of Hindu theism that was developed in the 13th century by Madhvacraya. He will explore, in particular, the kind of God that Madhvacarya envisioned.

The Ramayana of Valmiki (four lectures)

A series of four weekly lectures focusing on the celebrated Indian epic, Ramayana. Particular reference will be made to the Srivaishnava commentary ‘Bhushana’, composed by the Govindaraja in the 16th century. Lectures will be useful for students preparing papers in the study of Hinduism, and no background knowledge of Hinduism or the Ramayana is required.

India’s Upanisads in a theological perspective (eight lectures)

A series of eight lectures. The Upanishads, religious and philosophical texts of ancient India record the speculations of seers and sages about the ultimate meaning of life and the path to liberation. Rooted in older traditions, still they test bold new ideas about the world, the self and the highest truth. These lectures examine major thematic and stylistic issues in key Upanishads, with reference to their interpretation by great Hindu thinkers, and their relevance as well for comparative and Christian theologies. These lectures are intended primarily for students in theology and religious studies. No background in Indian studies or theology required, although such background in either would be useful, as would some knowledge of Sanskrit.