(Registration No.477, 2000-2001)
(Website: www.philosophicalcounsellingindia.org)
In collaboration with the Department of Philosophy, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Announces its Ninth National Seminar on
UPANISHADIC WAY OF LIFE AND THE THERAPY OF THE SELF
Likely to be sponsored by ICPR, New Delhi
DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Venue : SAP Building, Department of Philosophy, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
♦ Life membership of SPPCSH is 2000/-
♦ Life membership for foreign delegates is $ 200/
♦T.A., Lodging and Boarding will be provided
CLCIK HERE TO FILL REGISTRATION FORM
Note:
These rates are applicable till the 7th July 2024.
Send D.D. in favour of Secretary, Philosophical Praxis, Counselling and Spiritual Healing Society, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Post Address: C-207, Manu Marg, Tilak Nagar Jaipur 302004
Or Transfer in the following Bank account:
Pan No. AABAP3656R
Accounts details
Account Name: Philosophical Praxis Counselling And Spiritual Healing Society, Jaipur
Pan No. AABAP3656R
Account No. 674701293437
IFSC Code ICIC0006747
MICR Code 302229018
ICICI Bank, Rajasthan University Campus, JLN MARG, JAIPUR-302004
Contribute your research paper (either in English or in Hindi) on any of the topics mentioned below.
- Search for Happiness and wisdom
- Search for Strength and Fearlessness
- Issues of Life, the mystery of life and the Upanishads
- Pantheism, Freedom and Responsibility.
- Upanishadic Education, with special reference to Kathopanishad
- Upanishadic Samvad and Healing
- Method of Overcoming Ego and Arrogance
- Death and methods of overcoming the fear of death
- The teacher (counsellor) and student (counselee) relationship
- Suffering, Evil and Freedom
- Panchkosh dhyan
- Self-control, charity and compassion
- Tapas and Meditation
- Nature of Humanity and its place in the cosmos
- Method of combat passions and the illusory evaluative beliefs
- Method of renouncing false values for the True value of virtue
- Death: Discovering life’s final chapter
- Pancha Kosha theory as a yogic technique
- Nididhyasana and Text contemplation based on stories from the Upanishads
- (The participants may choose some other topics, keeping in mind the aim and objectives of the seminar)
The above-listed sub-topics are only indicative and not exhaustive. Participants are free to present views on any aspect they consider associated with the general theme.
Note:
The final date of submission of your paper is 07th July 2025
For detailed information visit our website: www.philosophicalcounsellingindia.org
Professor Raj Kumar
E-mail : rjkdarshan@gmail.com
8279258985(M)
(Convenor)
Dr. Anubhav Varshnaya
E-mail : anubhavshunya@gmail.com
9772242525(M)
(Co-Convenor)
Dr. Manish Sinsinwar
E-mail : manish.philosophy@gmail.com
85608 25276 (M)
(Organising Secretary)
Thanks
Upanishadic Way of Life and the Therapy of the Self
Proposal Overview
This seminar proposal explores the relevance and transformative power of Upanishadic philosophy in addressing the existential and psychological challenges of contemporary life. It aims to contextualise the teachings of the Upanishads within modern discourses on ethics, spirituality, self-realisation, and holistic well-being. Drawing upon key texts and concepts—such as the nature of the Self, the unity of existence, spiritual health, and methods of inner transformation—this proposal outlines the broad areas of inquiry and practical application that the seminar seeks to engage with. The seminar aspires to offer participants both intellectual insight and personal and spiritual growth tools by bridging ancient wisdom with modern needs.
Upanishadic philosophy is a journey that aims to elevate mankind from individuality and particularity to universality and objectivity. This shift is only possible by focusing on the present and adopting an objective view. It involves mastering individual anxiety, passion, desire, ignorance, pessimism, negativity, and other such negative emotions. In Upanishadic philosophy, 'heya hetu' (what is sought to be removed or eliminated) refers to the root cause or the source of suffering, primarily attachment to the material world and the ego's sense of separation. Overcoming this 'heya hetu' involves transcending the limitations of the self and realising the true nature of reality, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering and attaining pure consciousness (Brahman), the ultimate truth. This process can be described as a ‘return to Self.’
The most pressing issue in modern philosophy is the practical application of its vast potential in everyday life. While philosophy has a long history, 'philosophical practice' is a new and highly effective way of using philosophy to address many of the daily and global problems modern man faces. At its core, philosophical practice is a return of philosophy to its original status in ancient culture. It's not just about theories and knowledge systems, but a set of exercises for mental, intellectual and emotional 'self-care'. These exercises, such as mindfulness meditation, text-contemplation, spiritual exercises, and emotional intelligence training, all emphasise the value and importance of individual well-being. As discussed above, these methods lead to self-realisation and self–care and are integral to philosophical practice.
The most significant problems of modern man are a lack of inner peace and constant conflict with the outside world. By stressing meditation on the inner incorporeal self (called Àtman or God) and harmonious relationships with others, in whom the same God dwells, in the outside world, the Upanishads are very relevant even today. This solution that has worked for five millennia (or more)—as indicated by the men who lived such a life—can work even today if taken thoughtfully and implemented sincerely.