India — South India

India, home of one of the oldest continual living civilizations, has some of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world that are still practiced today. We will explore many of them during this culturally rich learning experience. India is a vast land of diversity. There are over 200 languages and almost every world religion including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism are practiced here. India's physical environment is also diverse with barren desserts, Himalayan Mountains, jungles and tropical beaches. Each region is like a different country with different languages, food, customs, religions and environments.

Our exciting program takes place in South India the heartland of Dravidian culture. South India is bastion of conservative Hinduism and has some of India's largest and finest temples. To truly understand India one has to learn about its spiritual traditions. Study Hindu, Jain and Buddhist philosophy, art, architecture, and culture. Each day your classroom will be a different ancient temple or monastery. You will learn and practice Hindu, Jain and Buddhist yoga and meditation. Your instructors each day will be prominent Hindu, Jain and Buddhist scholars and practioners.  You will be immersed in India's fascinating culture — urban and rural — during this wonderful hands-on learning experience. A trip to India is a life-changing experience and we invite you to join us to study in one of the world’s most remarkable cultures.

Course Description

We offer a study abroad program in India during the winter break each year. Our South India program takes place in Bangalore, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kumbakonam, and Varkala. This intensive program covers the Spiritual Traditions of India – Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Each day the classroom is a different temple or monastery where students learn Hindu, Jain and Buddhist philosophy, art, architecture and culture.

Visit many museums and artist foundries where you learn the philosophy of India's sacred art and how it is created. Students also learn and practice yoga and meditation during this program.

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Course Objectives

• Learn about India's Spiritual Traditions.
• Study Indian philosophy — Hindu, Jain and Buddhist.
• Study India's sacred art and temple architecture.
• Experience Indian culture.
• Learn and practice Hindu, Buddhist and Jain yoga and meditation.