Nīti literature is an integral component of Indian Philosophy and Knowledge Traditions. Some translate it as ethics; some treat it is as strategic thinking applied to various levels of life; some others consider it as moral aphorisms etc. Whatever may be the implications of these varying interpretations, there is considerable general agreement that Nīti Literature operates as a guide for living.
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth introduces this foundational course on Nīti Literature as a guide for living, not just as fragmented prescriptions but as an applied sastra (knowledge discipline) for individuals to achieve certain goals both at personal and societal level. The students of this course shall be placed in the context of global civic life, and will be required to apply principles and insights from Nīti literature to various issues. These issues may refer to different questions arising from their individual ambitions, social situations, national objectives and global development goals set by institutions like United Nations.
We will be seeing how the insights from various textbooks which discuss Nīti such as Nītisara, Arthashastra, Shanti Parva, Panchatantra, Dharmashastras etc. can inform contemporary issues. Also we shall attempt to compare and learn the concept of Nīti as reflected in our Constitution, United Nations Charter, modern theories of justice, and other contemporary social documents.
This course seeks to
Inculcate the thoughts regarding the concept of Nīti in student mind and to initiate an internalisation of the learnings.
Analyse and study how the concept of Nīti from Ancient Indian Knowledge Tradition can inform the contemporary concerns of a globally interconnected world
Rethink Nīti Literature in order to discover the modern dimensions of the conceptions therein.
- Teacher: Nithin Ramakrishnan