School of Letters Department of Humanities Philosophy Course
Indian Philosophy Major
Major (Credit 2)

Intended Year:
Intended School:
History of Indian Philosophy (Lecture III)
History of Indian Philosophy (Lecture III)
Sub Title 
Associate Professor KATAOKA Kei
Numbering Code:
Course Code:
2024 SpringTerm
weekly Thu2
Ito Classroom
M/J科目 (日本語, サンスクリット)
Course Overview Exploring Yoga Meditation: An In-depth Study through English Texts

This course delves into the sections on meditation, particularly focusing on "Withdrawal" (Dharana), "Contemplation" (Dhyana or Zen), and "Absorption" (Samadhi), as presented in "Roots of Yoga," translated and edited by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton, published by Penguin Classics. The format resembles a seminar where the instructor primarily speaks while students listen and engage. Alongside discussing the content in English, we will simultaneously explore the corresponding Japanese translations provided by me. Due to the detailed nature of the study, progress might be slower compared to conventional lectures. This course is suitable for individuals who wish to understand yoga and its meditation practices thoroughly in both English and Japanese, particularly those interested in exploring nuances and latest research findings. We will also evaluate the accuracy of machine translations. As there's currently no comprehensive Japanese resource available on this subject, the aim of this course is to facilitate understanding through English texts. No Japanese translation exists yet, so the content will consist solely of the latest information not widely circulated in Japanese academia. Course materials will be provided, but purchasing the book is recommended for future reference, given its affordability. Additionally, other chapters not covered in this session also contain significant information. The objective is to absorb scholarly research on yoga literature through English. While primarily targeting students of Indian philosophical history, explanations will be accessible even to students from other disciplines without prior knowledge of Sanskrit. This course offers a chance for anyone interested in yoga to absorb the latest academic findings. Evaluation will be based on written submissions at the end of each class, with no final exam.
Last updated : 2024/2/21 (11:58)