Two Courses
Indian Psychology
At Puducherry and Delhi
June to December 2011
Overview
These courses offer an introduction to Indian Psychology. They are largely, but not exclusively, based on the work of Sri Aurobindo, and cover topics like philosophical background; self and personality; cognition and modes of knowing; yoga-based research methodologies; motivation and the aim of life; emotions and attitudes; individual change and development; relationships; professional work involving psychology (education, therapy, organisational psychology, etc.).
Information transfer is, however, only one aspect of these courses. Their central focus is on increasing one’s self-knowledge, and on developing consciousness-based psychological skills and attitudes that help both in one’s personal growth and in one’s work. In Indian approaches to Psychology one has to begin with understanding one’s own self, and apply that understanding to life. Only then, can one hope to understand, teach or otherwise help others.
Background
There is much that the Indian tradition can contribute to our psychological understanding of human nature. Indian literature, philosophy and yoga are based on a 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 in harmony with the Indian culture but also with human nature in general. As such, they can play a crucial role in the future of the whole of humanity. In 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.
Eligibility
The course is open to anyone who seriously wants to get an experience-based understanding of Indian approaches to Psychology. However, preference will be given to post-graduate students, teachers and professionals in Psychology and related subjects, who intend to take up teaching or research work in the field of Indian Psychology.
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 between the facilitators and 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 a research project 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. There is opportunity to discuss the projects individually or in small groups.
Maintaining a diary is part of the course structure. At the end of the course two reports need to be submitted, one on the project, and one on other aspects of the course.
“PUDUCHERRY COURSE”
As Puducherry is well connected, residents of other places in South-India can also apply.
- 8-day intensive in Puducherry
- June 5 - 12, 2011
- 4 weekends in Puducherry
- July 16-17
- August 27-28
- October 15-16
- December 3-4
“DELHI COURSE”
As Delhi is well connected, residents of other places in North-India can also apply.
- 8-day intensive in Puducherry
- June 5 - 12, 2011
- 4 weekends in Delhi
- July 23-24
- September 3-4
- October 22-23
- December 10-11
Fees etc.
The total fee for the Puducherry course is Rs. 5000/-.
The total fee for the Delhi course is Rs. 8000/-.
This fee includes during the intensive workshop at Puducherry, 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
four subsequent weekends only lunch and tea are provided, but if required, we can again arrange dinner and accommodation at cost.
(In the guesthouses of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Puducherry this ranges presently from Rs. 100/- to Rs. 400/- per person per night.
In the Delhi Branch it is presently Rs. 350/- per person per night incl. all meals.)
Scholarships
The fees mentioned above are an attempt at covering our expenses, but we would not like financial constraints to be in the way of anybody’s participation. In case of difficulty, please feel free to contact us.
8-day intensive and four weekends go together
Please note that for both courses, the 8 day intensive and the four weekends go together: except for those who have already participated in one of IPI’s earlier courses, it is not possible to do only the intensive or only the weekends. The reason for this arrangement is that singular workshops tend to be instructive and inspiring, but the inner change they bring about doesn’t last. The four weekends, spread over the following semester, help to turn the changes, which have been initiated during the intensive, into an integral and permanent part of one’s life and work.
Course facilitators
This course is organised by the Indian Psychology Institute, a unit of the Sri Mira Trust, Puducherry.
The main facilitators are Matthijs Cornelissen and Neeltje Huppes. Amongst other available resource persons we are happy
to have Sampad, Vladimir Iatsenko, Devdip Ganguli and Suneet Varma.
Two review articles about previous Indian Psychology Courses by IPI
- This is an article describing IPI's Indian Psychology course 2010 by one of the participants, Sanjay Kumar.
- And this is a completely different description of the same course by another participant, Meenakshi Krishnan.
Registration
Please email the following information as early as possible, but not later than April 3,
to: mail@ipi.org.in
- A 300-600 word “biographical note”
Focus here on the work you have already done in the fields of psychology, Indian philosophy and yoga. - A 300-600 word “motivation note”
Focus here 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. - Factual information
- Which course (Puducherry or Delhi):
- Name:
- Gender:
- Year of birth:
- Educational qualifications:
- Present position & place of work:
- Preferred Postal Address:
- Email address(es):
- Telephone / Mobile:
There are only limited seats, so if you are interested, please register at the earliest, but not later than April 3, 2011.
Please don't send the fees before you have received our acceptance email.
For the latest information, visit: http://ipi.org.in
If you need any further info, you can write to
matthijs@ipi.org.in