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Manipal University (MU) and Chinmaya International Foundation Shodh Santhan (CIFSS) are jointly organizing a two-week Summer School “The Living Philosophies and Cultures of India” - July 24 – August 7, 2014. The summer school will take place at the birthplace of philosopher Adi Sankaracharya in Kerala under the guidance of the Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi (India) and Prof. Arindam Chakrabarti (USA).

University students, undergraduate, graduate, researchers, and faculty members are welcome.

How to reach CIFSS

Airways

CIFSS is around 50 km faraway from Cochin international airport. Taxicab may cost around INR 1200 to reach CIFSS from the airport.

Indian railways 
CIFSS is around 30 km faraway from Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town railway stations. Some trains do pass through Ernakulam Junction and other trains only through Ernakulam Town Railway Station. Please check the alighting point before you book the ticket.

Taxicabs 
Taxicab services are available from Ernakulam or Cochin, which would take one hour to reach CIFSS. The fare is around INR 800-1000.

Some taxicab drivers known to us also could be informed in advance if requested. They would receive you in airport/railway station awaiting for you with CIF placard. If any delay, please keep informed. Driver too will keep you informed if any delay; meanwhile you are requested to wait in the waiting room of the railway station/airport. Please do collect the drivers/agents contact numbers.

Bus route 
Buses are available from the bus standpoints close to (walkable distance) railway stations and state transportation terminals. During peak hours due to crowd, buses from Kaloor bus terminus would be comfortable as they may assure seats.

Please prefer Piravom buses via Nadakkavu and Peppathy to reach CIFSS from Ernakulam or Cochin. Peppathy junction is the alighting point from the busses to Piravom via Peppathy passing through prominent localities Vyttila, Tripunithura, Mulanthuruthy and Arakkunam. Therefore, do not board Piravom buses those do not reach Peppathy.  
You shall hire an auto rickshaw to reach CIFSS from Peppathy junction and the fare would be around INR 20-25.  
To serve you better, you are requested to let us know your travel plans, as soon as you reserve your tickets. For any queries, please feel free to contact us – CIFSS +91 484 2747307/2747104 during office hours.

Venue: Chinmaya International Foundation Shodh Sansthan (CIFSS) Adi Sankara Nilayam Veliyanad, Ernakulam 682313 Kerala India Telephone: +91 484 2747104 E-mail: v.sheeba@chinfo.org Website: www.chinfo.org

A two-week  Summer School July 24 to August 7, 2014

Highlights

Highlights Interactive and intensive discussions with subject experts

Exposure to different schools of philosophical thought in India

A traditional learning atmosphere

Opportunity to learn Sanskrit and Yoga

Participation in traditional and cultural events

Light is the metaphor for knowledge as darkness is for ignorance. Hence the prayer, “lead us from darkness to light”. India, a country and culture specialized in seeking and spreading this pure light of knowledge all over the world for more than five thousand years, according to a creative etymology, is “bhā (knowledge) + rata (seeking)” Bhārata. Through a close study of the pluralistic and argument-rich rational philosophies of India, and an immersion in its rich spiritual culture of music and dance, knowledgeseekers of our contemporary, globalized world can, not only begin to know India but also begin to know themselves.

The reflections on every aspect of human existence are spread in the original textual resources starting from Vedas, the earliest literature, to the literature of philosophies like Cārvākas (materialists and sceptics), Buddhism, Jainism, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Vedānta and other schools of Philosophy. The quest for the Self and the deep urge to seek the truth, have made the Indian thinkers engage in a dialogue with an open mind for more than 5000 years. Those reflections are depicted in epics, Purāṇas and other literature that provide for multidimensional insights into Indian thought and culture. With the acquaintance of the western thoughts and modern science, a new understanding of unity among the diversities of Indian philosophies and spiritual cultures attracts thinkers from all over the world to gain from these rich resources.

An intensive two-week Summer School by Manipal University (MU) and Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan (CIFSS) is designed for the participants with an interest in the cornucopia of cognitive and cultural wealth of Bhārata, the India.

Aitareyabrāhmaṇa, a part of the Veda, describes the arts of dance, drama and music as ātmasaṁská¹›ti - cultivation and improvement of the Self. Besides reputed philosophers, scholars and Yoga teachers, this Summer School will also feature some of India’s topmost music and dance gurus from the north and the south, who will engage us in this divine experience of self-cultivation. It is a unique opportunity to be engrossed in a community of learners of the logical, spiritual and cultural aspects of India.

It is also important to note that Manipal University has a Dvaita Philosophy Resource Centre (DPRC) whereas, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) focuses on Advaita. The coming together of these two modern institutions rooted in traditions itself is very significant and upholds the spirit of Indian philosophy. Details of these organizations can be found in DPRC www.manipal.edu/des/dprc and CIF www.chinfo.org

Scholars from different schools of thought will engage with participants during this period through seminars, lectures, workshops and presentations on various themes. Intensive discussions will be conducted on philosophical literature of Vedic and non-Vedic schools, teachings of Upaniṣats and Bhagavadgīta Traditional art forms, cultural events, narrations of Purāṇas and visit to significant place

Venue CIF housed in Adi Sankara Nilayam, the maternal birth home of the great philosopher Adiśaṅkara, in Veliyanad, Kerala. CIF stands amidst sun-blessed greenery, temple shrines and lotus ponds. It offers an ambience of peace and solitude for study, research and contemplation to aspirants from the world over.

Course credits and Eligibility The two-week Summer School of six European credits (ECTS) is open for masters, doctoral and postdoctoral students and faculty members from across disciplines.

Fee: € 750 ($ 1010) per person, which includes accommodation, food,  and access to library and internet facilities

To register, for Application form, For mode of payment and other details please visit,

visit www.chinfo.org/summerschool2014.

Maximum intake: 30