Consciousness Studies:
Ancient and Modern Perspectives

Communicating Timeless Wisdom in a Scientific Age

A 6-Month Training Series by the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies

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"It will be a great contribution to human society if this authorized information from the Vedic literature is presented to the modern world on the basis of modern scientific understanding. The fact is already there. It simply has to be presented for modern understanding."
— Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Dr. Bigelow January 20th 1971

BIHS ~ Where Science and Philosophy Meet

Empowering You With the Tools of Wisdom

This course moves beyond sentiment to provide the intellectual machinery needed to fulfill this vision. You will gain:

  • The Language of Science: Learn to articulate Bhāgavata philosophy using the vocabulary of modern physics, cosmology, and biology.
  • Logical Rigor: Master the philosophical arguments to dismantle materialism and the "blind evolution" narrative.
  • Cosmic Context: Move from a vague idea of the universe to a detailed understanding of Vedic Cosmology and its relation to modern theories.
  • Mastery of Discourse: Engage in high-level dialogue without hesitation, knowing you stand on a foundation of perfect logic and science.

Course At a Glance

Purpose: To equip thoughtful Bhakti practitioners with the philosophical grounding and communication skills needed to speak clearly, confidently, and responsibly in modern scientific and intellectual settings.

Consciousness Studies: Ancient and Modern Perspectives is a university-style training series offered across two academic terms. Together we will explore core topics in consciousness, metaphysics, cosmology, and ethics, and learn how to express these ideas with clarity and integrity.

Format

  • University-style training
  • Saturdays 10:00 AM EST
  • Live Zoom Sessions
  • Final examination required for certification
  • Optional asynchronous study via Canvas

Schedule

  • Spring (16 wks): Jan 10 – May 16
  • Summer (8 wks): May 23 – July 11
  • Mid-semester Spring break March 1 to 23

Tuition

$108 Full Program
$30 Per Unit

Scholarships Available

Faculty & Curriculum Overview

Guided by scholars with deep expertise in metaphysics, cosmology, and consciousness studies.

Dr. Tiziano Valentinuzzi
Unit 1: Jan 10 – Jan 31

Vedic Cosmology

Dr. Tiziano Valentinuzzi

  • Crisis of meaning: How physicalism fails to satisfy human purpose
  • Consciousness-based universe: Ātmā-centered worldview vs. neuroscience and panpsychism
  • Simulation hypothesis:Is the Universe a Virtual Reality? Vedic metaphysics through quantum physics and information theory
  • Divine love scientifically: Bhakti as rational principle rather than sentiment
Dr. Shivanand Sharma
Unit 2: Feb 7 – Feb 28

Philosophy Foundations

Shivanand Sharma, PhD Candidate

  • Intro to Critical Thinking: Constucting and Critiquing arguments
  • Intro to Philosophy of Science: The nature and scope of Science
  • Intro to Philosophy of Religion: The relationship between faith and reason.
  • Intro to Philosophy of Consciousness: Theories of Consciousness and Personal Identity
Dr. Howard Resnick
Unit 3: March 28 - April 18

Foundations of Metaphysics

Dr. Howard Resnick

  • Introduction to metaphysics: arguments against atheism and physicalism
  • Metaphysics in History: Plato's Krishna conscious principles; Aristotle's parallels to Caitanya's logic; and much more.
  • Case Study of Irrational Materialism: How 18th-19th century conditions led to false Darwinist claims
  • Physicalism vs. Civilization: How strict materialism denies moral principles and human values
Dr. Doug Watson
Unit 4: April 25 - May 16

Physics and Cosmology

Dr. Doug Watson

  • Crisis in Physics: Modern physics’ conceptual limitations
  • Rethinking Space, Time, and Matter: Quantum mechanics challenging fixed assumptions
  • Quantum Gravity: Emerging understandings of reality as a universe of relationships
  • Science and Philosophy: Relational cosmology integrating consciousness
Akhandadhi Das
Unit 5 & Unit 6: May 23 – July 11

Total 8 Weeks, 2 weeks per Topic

Consciousness Studies

Akhandadhi Das

  • Consciousness:"The Hard Problem of Consciousness"
  • Reality: Metaphysical foundations and consciousness–world interaction
  • Life: Earth’s biological mysteries; scientific support for Purāṇic perspectives
  • Cosmos: consciousness-based universal structure and realms of free consciousness

Certification & Assessment

To support meaningful learning, each Unit concludes with a short reflective or practical assessment. A Unit Certificate is awarded upon completion of each Unit. Students who complete all five Units receive the Final Program Certificate, recognizing successful completion of the full six-month training.

Learning Outcomes & Enrollment Options

The learning outcomes include:

  • Clearer understanding of metaphysics, cosmology, consciousness, and ethics
  • Improved reasoning, articulation, and communication skills
  • Increased confidence engaging in scientific, philosophical, or interfaith conversations
  • Deeper appreciation of the Bhagavata worldview and its contemporary relevance

A) Full Program Enrollment — $108

This single program fee provides access to the entire six-month training, including all live Saturday sessions, Canvas modules, assignments, and assessments. Students also receive a Unit Certificate for each completed Unit and a Final Program Certificate upon successful completion of all requirements. This option offers the greatest value, supporting a coherent journey that builds progressively from foundational metaphysics to applied consciousness studies. Students may participate synchronously or complete the material asynchronously through Canvas, depending on their schedule and learning needs.

B) Per-Unit Enrollment — $30 per Unit

For those unable to commit to the full program at this time, individual Units may be taken separately for $30 each. Per-unit participation includes access to the Canvas environment, recordings for the selected Unit, and a Unit Certificate upon completion of its assessment.

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