Coursing the cosmos: Mumbai Varsities new endeavour!

Mysticism is a belief that a union with the "ultimate reality" may be attained through contemplation and self surrender. One may assume that such a belief is limited only to books and scriptures. Department of Sanskrit at the University of Mumbai however, has taken it up on themselves to "teach" the belief in a class. That's right; the department has been conducting a post graduate diploma in mysticism for the past two years and has recently begun tutoring their third batch. "In 2012, we had organised a seminar on mysticism which received a tremendous response. It was then that we thought we could offer the subject as a full-fledged post graduate diploma course," says Dr Gauri Mahulikar, head, Department of Sanskrit, who pioneered this unique initiative.

Next, a team of professors from different departments sat together and brainstormed on the course curriculum. "We had faculty members from different streams like philosophy, psychology, psychiatry and even literature helping us in formulating our course structure," informs Mahulikar.

So what is being taught in a mysticism classroom? "In our lectures we discuss—essentials of mysticism, which includes elements of Buddhism, Jainism, Sufism, the Greek philosophy, western philosophers, eastern mysticism and saint literature," says Mahulikar. The curriculum also discusses Indian saints. "We have a module called varkari sampradaya (a cult worshipping the Hindu deity, Shri Vithal from Pandharpur in Maharashtra) where we study poems written by saints like Dyaneshwar, Tukaram, Kabir and so on." During the course, students also study works of modern Indian saint poets like Ramkrishna Paramhans and Gurudev Ranade.

Mysticism aspirants will have two papers to appear for — Essentials of Mysticism and, Multidimensional world and Mysticism, each of 100 marks. This apart the students will also have to submit internal assignments. Mahulikar explains, "While the course is open to all, however, not everyone can understand or attempt to understand the depth of this topic."

"We've had students who have been English literature graduates, charted accountants and even housewives," tells Mahulikar. Despite belonging to varied backgrounds, all these students were in some way or other associated or interested in philosophy. "This is the common thread that binds them," says Mahulikar.

With a small class of just 15 to 20 students per year, the course is slowly gaining popularity. "Those who are experiencing inner turmoil and are looking for self contentment or enrichment of life can take up this course to find answers and reach conclusion for the disruption that is being caused in their life," signs off Mahulikar.

Course Fees: Rs 3,500
Duration: 12 months
Timing: Saturdays, from 11am to 1pm
For details contact: Department of Sanskrit, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E)