Seven Day ICPR Workshop on Studies in Consciousness in the Light of Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy (With special Emphasis on the Upanishads)

Seven Day ICPR Workshop on

Studies in Consciousness in the Light of
Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy

(With special Emphasis on the Upanishads)

19th – 25th July 2017

Sponsored By

Indian Council for Philosophical Research, New Delhi

Organised by

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, Puducherry

Theme Note

“Consciousness” is one of the most interesting terms ever discussed in the field of philosophy and psychology. As it is interesting so is it equally evasive. Centuries of studies in this direction still does not seem to give any definition to consciousness. In common parlance, consciousness is understood as being conscious or being aware of one’s surroundings or what is within oneself. From its Latin origin the term conscious means “to know”. There are a few pertinent questions that may be asked with regard to the study of consciousness both in philosophical and psychological studies. “To know” what? Who is the knower? Who or what is known? What is the process of knowing? These questions are relevant for they have been bothering humanity since time immemorial. The quest for knowing the reasons of one’s birth and the process of creation have occupied the minds of the greatest of our rishis since ages. These quests and the process of finding answers to them have taken the form of the Vedas, the Upanishads, shad-darshana, Bhagavad Gita and in contemporary times The Life Divine and other recent noteworthy studies in different fields of science and arts.

The ancient wisdom concludes that consciousness is not only awareness of the mind. It exists in all things animate and inanimate for it is the cause of all. The modern definitions of consciousness are slowly heading towards discovering the inherent nature of consciousness by defining this power as energy or vibration. Whether natural or human sciences all are compelled, as if, to conclude that consciousness exists in everything and is present everywhere. Therefore, studies in consciousness have been extended to medicine, education, management, sociology, anthropology and other disciplines. Consciousness has come out of the restriction of philosophy and

psychology and made its place in various fields of knowledge.

It is to view this need of the growing study of consciousness that this seven-day workshop is being organized. It will bring in the perspectives of consciousness from the disciplines of Philosophy, Psychology, Literature etc. Its aim is to bring clarity about the Vedantic concept of consciousness and its applicability to the world today as given to us in The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo.

Note for participants:

1. No remuneration would be given to the participants.
2. All travel bills to be submitted to SACAR Coordinator for reimbursement which will be given on the last day of the workshop.
3. Participants are expected to reach the Venue by 18th July 2017, evening. Workshop commences 19th July, 10 am sharp. Finishes on 25th July 5.30 pm Participants may have breakfast and leave on 26th morning.
4. It is mandatory for all the participants to attend the entire workshop for all the seven days to claim any reimbursement or the Certificate of Participation.
5. Participants will be chosen on ‘First come First served’ basis. And the selected participants would be confirmed by our office and only then should the participants book his/her travel tickets.
6. Eligibility: Research Scholars, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors and Academicians.
7. TA for participants to be given for the AC III for the shortest train route.
8. Lodging and Boarding facilities for the participants would be made at SACAR campus.

Proposed Sub-Themes:

 The Problem of Consciousness
 Consciousness and the Inconscient
 Consciousness Studies in Literature
 Dimensions of Consciousness in Advaita

Vedanta
 Levels of Consciousness in the Integral

Philosophy
 Phenomenology: The Indian Perspective
 Consciousness and Immortality – the focus of

the Upanishads
 Vedantic Psychology in Kena Upanishad
 A Conscious Transformation of Nature:
 Consciousness: the Materialist’s Perspective
 The Ascending scale of Consciousness: A

Vision of The Life Divine
 Management by Consciousness

Speakers:

 Prof. Sreekala Nair ( Member ICPR, Dean, faculty of Social sciences & Head, Dept. of Philosophy, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala)

 Prof. Sangeetha Menon (Professor & Head, Consciousness Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore)

 Prof. S. Murali (Retd. Prof. Department of English, Pondicherry Unviersity)

 Prof. Narendra Joshi (Principal, Agnel Technical College, Bandra(W), Mumbai)

 Dr. Ananda Reddy, (Director, SACAR, Puducherry)

About SACAR:

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (SACAR) started in Pondicherry in 1998, is a non- governmental, educational research Institute. It has for its objective an in-depth study of and research into the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and relate it to the present and the future of India in particular and the world in general. The guiding principle of all our activities is the synthesizing movement to unite in a practical and progressive way the highest spiritual realisations with the development and perfection of the outer life — two fields that have been historically the special domain of Eastern and Western nations, respectively.

Activities at SACAR:

•   Online courses on Sri Aurobindo’s major works
•   “Living Within” Study camps
•   Intensive and Extensive Research for one/three
  months in
  Sri Aurobindo’s major works
•   M.A, PhD. Courses in Collaboration with Hindu
  University of America, Florida.
•   Workshops and Seminars in Integral
  Management
•   Publications: Books and Journal
•   Research in Management Studies
•   Teacher Training Programme
•   Research Project: Mankind on the March

Convenor:

Dr. Ananda Reddy: 9443019172

Coordinator:

Dr. Shruti Bidwaikar: 9994190403

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Sampananda Misra Prof. Kisholoy Gupta Mrs. Deepshikha Reddy Dr. Falguni Jani Ms. Oeendrila Guha

Venue:

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, (SACAR)
39, Vanniar Street, Vaithikuppam Puducherry, 605012 www.sacar.in

Email: sacaricpr@gmail.com

Researches in Yoga & Meditation (Publications & Abstracts) by Er Anurag Joshi & Others

Researches in Meditations (Publications & Absracts) by Er Anurag Joshi & Others

1. Abstract: Productivity Management through Meditation: Psychological Analysis

A technical institution with students of high morale, discipline and caliber are likely to show excellent output. The students entering into the portals of the institution should leave with all rounded personality and as a complete professional.

This paper deals with the effects of the applied meditation which improves the Efficiency, Memory Power and Studies Output Performance of the students. Increased efficiency channelises the thought processes of the students in the right direction and creates a lucid environment for constructive development in the society thus enhancing the productivity at large, which is a very important aspect for excellent management of any organisation.

Observations: Productivity Management through Meditation: Psychological Analysis (2006)

· Efficiency level of 85% students has been increased after meditation.

· 70% students have experienced improved Memory Power after meditation.

· Studies Output Performance of 65% students has been raised after meditation.

2. Abstract :Management of Students Performance in Engineering Education : An Analysis

Engineering Education is a field of vast diversity and this being ever-demanding field of science and technology, the mediocre students find it hard to cope up with the increasing demands of engineering curriculum. Its important to improve the performance of an engineering graduate to help him develop in an all-round personality and a thorough professional in his respective field. This paper deals with the effect of meditation on the Analytical power, Memory power, Concentration and Examination Performance of an engineering student. The proposed work provides a useful insight into the technique of meditation to be implied for improving the performance of an engineering graduate. As per the results obtained, after carrying out exhaustive study, we are encouraged to share this technique to be used by students in order to achieve excellence in the academic field of engineering.

Observations: Management of Students Performance in Engineering Education : An Analysis

• Analytical power level of 80% students has been increased after meditation.
• 95% students have experienced better Concentration after meditation.

• Examination/Studies Performance level of 65% students has been improved after meditation.
• Memory power level of 70% students has been boosted after meditation.

3. Abstract :Role of Acoustic Meditation in Stress Management : An Analysis

Stress is a response to a real or imagined event which alters the normal functioning of the body . It is body’s natural reaction to both the physical and psychological changes. It produces a number of undesirable effects both at physical and mental level. This paper introduces the concept of Acoustic Meditation and its applications towards stress management. A dramatic reduction in Mental Stress has been observed for a population of more than 95% of the meditator group under observation. A similar improvement has been observed in the characteristics of Physical Relaxation and Patience

Observations: Role of Acoustic Meditation in Stress Management : An Analysis(2007)

• Mental Stress level of 95% students reduced after meditation.
• 90% students gained better state of Patience after meditation
• Physical Relaxation level of 85% students increased after meditation.

4. Abstract: Personality Management through Acoustics Meditation (Nada Yoga): An Analysis

Meditation is an emerging tool of Human Resources Management in modern organizations. It is very much helpful to solve a number of problems of the employees as well as organizations by enhancing the overall efficiency of the both. Meditation is helpful in eradicating the interpersonal/organizational conflicts at the workplace. In this paper we have analyzed the role of Acoustics Meditation in the Personality Management considering the parameters of Arrogance, Confidence, Optimism and Patience of the subjects who volunteered to undertake the testing. It was observed that 95% of the subjects (engineering students) gained in terms of Arrogance relief, 90% in terms of Confidence, 70% in terms of Optimism and 85% in terms of Patience.

Observations: Personality Management through Acoustics Meditation (Nada Yoga): An Analysis (2008)

• Arrogance level of 95% students reduced after meditation.
• 90% students experienced better state of Confidence after meditation.

• Optimism state of 70% students got augmented after meditation.
• Patience level of 85% students increased after meditation.

5. Abstract: Health and Stress Management through Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): An Analysis

India has long been heralded as a pioneer in alternative therapies for health and wellness. Yoga is the most renowned therapy from India that has gained international popularity and repute. Now-a-days health disorders like heart diseases, respiratory problems, obesity and mental problems are on the rise throughout the world. One of the most important causes of all these problems is stress. Stress is a response to a real or imagined event which alters the normal functioning of the body. It is body’s natural reaction to both the physical and psychological changes. Accordingly, it produces a number of undesirable effects, again at physical as well as at mental level. This paper introduces the concept of pranayama (a yogic technique that involves controlled deep rhythmic breathing). The underlying principle of pranayama is that the relation between emotion and breathing is two way i.e. not only emotions have affect on breathing but controlled rhythmic breathing has positive effects on emotions too. We selected a group of subjects who volunteered to practise nadi shodhan pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) for three months. We applied the introspection (subjective observation) method of Psychology and analyzed the various traits on Likert’s five point psychometric scale. We applied t-test for statistical investigation. We observed that 75% of the subjects gained in terms of health, 80% in terms of memory power, 75% in terms of mental stress relief and 90% in terms of physical relaxation.

Observations :Health and Stress Management through Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): An Analysis

• Improved Health level of 75% students has been observed after Pranayama.
• 80% students have experienced better state of Memory Power after Pranayama.

• Mental Stress level of 75% students has been decreased after Pranayama.
• State of Physical Relaxation of 90% students has been observed after Pranayama.

6. Abstract: Violence Management through Meditation: An Analysis

Violence is the result of endless undefined frustrations especially in the youth. No wonder, most of the attackers on 26/11/2009 Mumbai misadventure were of this age group. In our education system, an effective strategy for coping with violence through meditation, must be adopted at the School/ College level. Our health, to a great extent, depends upon our emotions and thoughts. Meditation is a technique to achieve deep concentration, calmness and tranquility of mind. It also helps in attaining complete control over one’s mind. In this paper we have analyzed the role of Meditation in the Violence Management considering the parameters of Arrogance, Relaxation, Stress and Tolerance of the subjects (Engineering Students) who volunteered to undertake the test. It was observed that 75% of the subjects gained in terms of Arrogance relief, 80 % in terms of Relaxation, 90% in terms of Stress relief and 85% in terms of Tolerance.

Observations :Violence Management through Meditation: An Analysis (2008)

• Arrogance level of 75% students has been reduced after meditation.

• 85% students have experienced better state of Relaxation after meditation.
• Stress level of 95% students has been decreased after meditation.
• Tolerance level of 85% students has been raised after meditation.

Publication Details:

S No.	Name of the Journal	Details of the Journal issue	Title of the research paper published	Authors
1.	PRANJANA :The Journal of Management Awareness (Listed in Cabell’s Directory, USA)	Volume.10/No. 2, Jul-Dec 2007, pp 91-100	Productivity Management through Meditation: Psychological Analysis	Anurag Joshi O.P. Goyal V.K. Gupta
2.	The Journal of Engineering Education	Vol. XXI : No. 4 (84th issue) April- June 2008, pp 46-53	Management of Students Performance in Engineering Education : An Analysis	Anurag Joshi A.K.Verma Jai Prakash A.K.Sharma
3.	International Journal of Management Sciences	Vol. 4, No. 2, Dec. 2008, pp 56-67	Role of Acoustic Meditation in Stress Management : An Analysis	Anurag Joshi Mandeep Singh Ritu Jindal Jai Prakash
4.	Journal of Engineering & Technology Education	Vol. 4, No. 1, Jan-June 2010, pp 22-30	Personality Management through Acoustics Meditation (Nada Yoga): An Analysis	Anurag Joshi BB Singla Mandeep Singh Gurmit Singh
5.	International Journal of Management Creativity	Accepted	Violence Management through Meditation: An Analysis	Anurag Joshi Mandeep Singh Neeraj Pandey Rajesh Khanna
6.	Italian Journal of Pubic Health	In Communication	Health and Stress Management through Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): An Analysis	Anurag Joshi Mandeep Singh BB Singla Sunil Joshi

Research Paper Presented in International Seminar (Meditation)

S.No.	Name of the Conference/ Seminar	Org. Body Details	Title of the research paper presented	Authors
1.	International Seminar on “ Coping with Violence in Today’s World” Feb 22-23, 2007	Souvenir published by : Department of Social Work, Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab) and ICSSR, North-Western Regional Centre, Chandigarh (pp 63)	Yoga meditation – An intervention strategy of coping with violence	Anurag Joshi Ritu Jindal
2.	National Seminar on Ayurveda Nov 07-08, 2009	Souvenir published by : Babe Ke Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, VPO Daudhar, Via Ajitwal, Distt. Moga (Punjab) India (pp 20-24)	Stress A Bane – Yoga The Cure	Anurag Joshi Sunil Joshi Mandeep Singh Sukhwinder Kaur

Yoga Meditation : An Intervention strategy of coping with Violence

Violence is the result of endless undefined frustrations especially in the youth. In our education system, the effective strategy for coping with violence i.e. Meditation, must be adopted at the School/ College level. Our health, to a great extent, depends upon our emotions and thoughts. Meditation is the study of deep concentration, calmness and tranquility of the mind. It is the study of attaining complete control over one’s mind. This paper deals with the effects of the applied meditation, which improves the characteristics like tolerance and relaxation. It also reduces arrogance and stress, which are highly contributing factors to make anyone violent.

Yoga Meditation – An interventional strategy to cope up violence for college students

• Arrogance level of 75% students has been reduced after meditation.

• 85% students have experienced better state of Relaxation after meditation.
• Stress level of 95% students has been decreased after meditation.

Contact:

Er. Anurag Joshi

Department of Electrical Engineering
Thapar Polytechnic College, Thapar Technology Campus
Patiala-147004(Punjab), India

Res. Add: H No. 104, Opp. Park, Charan Baag , Patiala-147001(Punjab), India

E Mail anuragjoshi14@yahoo.com

anurag1970@rediffmail.com

Telephone No.'s
0175-2220389(R)
09501116198 (M)
09878892368 (M)