(course coordinator Ms. Vrushali Potnis Damle – 7303588683)
No matter how much man progresses materially, his spiritual quest is unending. Science and technology may answer many of life’s questions in the 21st century, but it still cannot tell us who God is, what He looks like, or where He can be found. For answers to questions such as these, we turn to holy men and women, saints and mystics. The term ‘mysticism’ is largely misunderstood and often confused with occult, superstition, magic, etc. However, it is none of these things. In its simplest sense, Mysticism is the process of union with God. Since God is not the monopoly of any religious group, mystics and mystical experiences are found in all cultures. The study of mysticism is the study of these people and their spiritual journeys, resulting in a divine union.Mysticism is a fairly new branch of knowledge and was first investigated thoroughly by Evelyn Underhill, an English woman who wrote on matters of Christian mysticism and mystical processes thereof in the late 20th century. Closer home, Gurudev Ranade did similar scholarly work in this field. His defining work ‘Mysticism in Maharashtra’ set the paradigm of systematic study of the subject.The Department of Sanskrit, University of Mumbai, takes forth Ranade’s legacy by offering this unique course in Mysticism.
The department offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Mysticism and an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma* on the same upon completion of the former. Some of the topics covered under these courses are as follows:
•Nature and definition of Mysticism
•Vedic & Upanishadic mysticism
•Buddhist & Jaina mysticism
•Christian mysticism
•Islamic and Sufi mysticism
•Lives of mystics like Meerabai, Kabir, Sri Aurobindo, Chakradhar Swami, St. Thomas Aquinas, and many more
•Language and symbolism in mysticism, etc.
These and many other topics offer a well rounded view of the subject. There are also many insights to be gained from religious and philosophical perspectives. With in-house subject matter experts and guest lecturers, the student of mysticism has a lot to take away from the course. Any graduate is eligible for the course, which lasts one academic year. Since classes take place only one day in a week – Saturday, it is ideal for working professionals and students of other streams, or anyone who is spiritually inquisitive. Classes begin in June every year, culminating in April with an examination and project work.
For more details, contact Dr. Madhavi Narsalay – 9821347961.
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