The Upanishads: Stories of the Self with Graham Burns

Summary

In this 5 lecture series Graham Burns gives a broad overview of the Upanishads, explaining the history and culture in which they arose. He takes you through several themes that are explored in some of the more prominent Upanishads. He illuminates important concepts that begin to form the foundation of much of Indian thought. Graham presents this lecture series in a clear, intelligent way that is sure to make the wisdom of the Upanishads accessible for anyone interested in learning more about the foundations of Indian philosophy.

• Session 1: Introduction to the Upanishads & their historical background


• Session 2: Key ideas found throughout the Upanishads


• Session 3: Exploring the narratives found throughout the texts


• Session 4: Stories of Atman or the Self


• Session 5: Philosophical interpretations

Graham Burns is a former City lawyer turned yoga teacher and academic. He has a Master’s degree (with distinction) in Religions from SOAS, University of London, where he focused on ancient Indian religion and philosophy and the historical roots of the yoga traditions. He is a faculty member for the Yogacampus Yoga Teacher Training Diploma programmes, as well as a Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies of London University) where he teaches Hinduism and philosophy and is a member of the Centre of Yoga Studies. As well as a law degree from Durham University many years ago, Dr. Graham Burns has more recently completed a PhD. in ancient Indian religious philosophy at SOAS. As well as regular yoga classes and trainings in London and internationally, Graham teaches yoga history, philosophy and Sanskrit on the Yogacampus Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course.