2005 Summer Seminar
SIKH
MYSTICISM:
Advanced Concepts in the Religious Philosophy
of Sikhism
Time/Location
June 2-8, 2005
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York Dr.
Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair,
Director
About the Seminar:
Mysticism is a central part of many religious traditions. The seminar examined the nature and roles of mysticism in the Sikh religion and its relevance to existence in a contemporary global culture. It gave a unique opportunity to explore the teachings of the Sikh Gurus (gurmat) within an academic environment.
Mornings were focused around lectures from one of three instructors on Sikh history, ethics, spirituality, and the standpoint of the Sikh community today. Afternoons and evenings were more relaxed, with group study sessions, music and meditation classes, and field trips to temples, beaches, and many other fun activities.
Who Attended:
The seminar was attended by graduate and undergraduate students, professionals and religious practitioners; individuals who wanted to supplement their knowledge of Sikh religious philosophy. Most opted to earn three transferable undergraduate credits in seven days. They stayed on campus and participated as commuters. When not in class, participants studied and ate, worked and relaxed together.
Topics
Included:
Time,
Death, Finitude
Sikh
Mystics and the Passion for Politics
Sacrifice,
Martyrdom, and the Gift
Karma
and Ethics
Sikh Approaches to Meditation
Gurmat
and Capitalism: A special workshop in
dialogue with Jeremy Carette and Richard
King, authors of Selling Spirituality:
The Silent Takeover of Religion.
Co-sponsored by Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra
Endowed Chair in Sikh Studies and Hofstra's University College for Continuing Education
