In this 5 lecture series Graham Burns gives a broad overview of the Upanishads, explaining the history and culture in which they arose. He takes you through several themes that are explored in some of the more prominent Upanishads. He illuminates important concepts that begin to form the foundation of much of Indian thought. Graham presents this lecture series in a clear, intelligent way that is sure to make the wisdom of the Upanishads accessible for anyone interested in learning more about the foundations of Indian philosophy.
Session 1: Introduction to the Upanishads & their historical background
Session 2: Key ideas found throughout the Upanishads
Session 3: Exploring the narratives found throughout the texts
Session 4: Stories of Atman or the Self
Session 5: Philosophical interpretations
Graham Burns is a former City lawyer turned yoga teacher and academic. He has a MA in Religions from SOAS, University of London, where he focussed on ancient Indian religion and philosophy and the historical roots of the yoga traditions. He is a faculty member for the Yogacampus Yoga Teacher Training Diploma programmes, as well as a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies of London University) where he teaches Hinduism and philosophy and is a member of the Centre of Yoga Studies. As well as a law degree from Durham University many years ago, Graham has more recently completed a PhD in ancient Indian religious philosophy at SOAS. As well as regular yoga classes and trainings in London and internationally, Graham teaches yoga history, philosophy and Sanskrit on the Yogacampus Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course.