Panchadashi - Chitradipa-prakarana

Panchadashi, the comprehensive philosophical masterpiece by Sri Bharati Tirtha and Swami Vidyaranya, is a compendium of 15 foundational treatises or prakarana-granthas. This epic work is a singular treatise on the entire philosophy of Advaita-vedanta. Panchadashi lays the foundation of the essentials of Vedanta and elucidates the Upanishadic thoughts by revealing the identity of the Self with the supreme Brahman, thus dispelling the ignorance of the Self.

In the sixth chapter, titled ‘Chitradipa-prakarana’, the identity of Brahman and jiva is revealed using the analogy of a painted canvas. The analogy is comprehensively applied to inquire into the nature of jiva, jagat and Paramatman.

A total of 117 video sessions by Swami Advayananda , divided into 34 lessons, covering the entire sixth chapter of Panchadasi, are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• Four states of the Paramatman explained through the analogy of the painted canvas
• Enquiry into the true nature of Ishvara and the reasons why the other schools are mistaken in their notion about Him
• Absence of right enquiry gives rise to divergent philosophical positions
• Varied philosophical positions enumerated and the variety of views on Ishvara
• Comprehensive exposition of maya
• Detailed analysis of the various facets of Ishvara
• Enquiry into the true nature of jiva and Ishvara
• Establishment of the falsity of duality
• Real nature of the Self and the result of Knowledge

Why should I do this Course?

This course is meant for those who have already studied the basic concepts of Vedanta and wish to delve deeper.

In this course you will learn other philosophical perspectives in detail along with the different notions of Ishvara they propound. Studying this course helps one to be firmly rooted in Advaita-vedanta. The various concepts of adhyasa, jnana, maya and falsity of duality are also expounded in great detail.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Vedanta is mandatory
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 34 lessons covering 117 video/audio sessions and 34 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Panchadashi-Chitradipa-prakarana course is within 16 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above 'O' Grade
• 60% and above 'A+' Grade
• 50% and above 'A' Grade
• Below 50% 'B' Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Students are recommended to purchase a copy of the entire Panchadashi text, containing the verses and translation in English by Swami Swahananda, published by the Ramakrishna Mission.

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT) has published the entire Panchadashi with commentary in Hindi by Swami Shankarananda. Those who are familiar with Hindi will immensely benefit from this publication.

To purchase a copy of Panchadashi – Chapter 6 with commentary in Hindi:

1. Check this link: Panchadashi – Chapter 6 (Hindi)
Or
2. Contact: Sri M. Jayaraman Nair

   In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF)
   Ph: +91 92077 11138 / WhatsApp: +91 92073 98313 / Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Course Content

The course on Panchadashi – Chapter 6 (Chitradipa-prakarana) comprises 34 lessons.

Lesson 1: Four States of the Paramātman [Verses 1–9]

Lesson 2: Avidyā and Vidyā: Cause of Saṁsāra and its Antidote [Verses 10–14]

Lesson 3: Parokṣa-jñāna and Aparokṣa-jñāna [Verses 15–17]

Lesson 4: Four Types of Consciousness [Verses 18–21] 

Click here for a detailed Course Content

Course Contributors

Arvind Kannan

Brni. Shubhani Chaitanya

Br. Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries