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

"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

  • Week 1: Can There Be a True Spiritual Science?

    Epistemology: The Foundations of Knowing This session explores epistemology, the branch of philosophy that studies the origin, contents, and process of knowing. In the Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa gives us a brilliant, coherent, complete philosophy of knowing—how we can know, what we can know, and how we can be sure of our knowledge.
  • Week 2: Transcending Philosophy’s Dark Age

    1. Public reaction to theoretical vs. applied science, both in physical and spiritual domains
    2. The academic myth of “knowledge for its own sake
    3. Atheism and the well known limits of negative proofs
    4. The rule of "equal domain" for positive and negative proofs
  • Other weekly topics will be announced soon
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 full Consciousness Studies program, including recordings of past sessions, remaining live Saturday seminars, Canvas modules, assignments, and assessments. Students joining after the initial start date may engage with earlier Units asynchronously while participating in upcoming sessions in real time. Participants receive a Unit Certificate for each completed Unit and a Final Program Certificate upon successful completion of all requirements. The completion window for both individual Units and the full program extends through December 6, 2026, allowing participants to progress at a pace aligned with their schedules and commitments. This option offers the most comprehensive experience, supporting a coherent exploration of consciousness studies across metaphysical foundations, philosophical analysis, and applied perspectives. The program may be completed synchronously, asynchronously, or through a blended approach depending on individual schedules and learning goals.

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.

C) Flexible Enrollment — Contribution-Based

Flexible Enrollment is available for participants who wish to join the program but prefer to determine their own level of financial contribution. This option provides access to program materials, recordings, Canvas modules, and remaining live sessions, allowing engagement with the learning experience in a manner aligned with individual circumstances. Participants selecting this pathway may choose a contribution that feels appropriate and meaningful to them. Opportunities to complete assessments and receive Unit and Program Certificates remain available, and participants may transition to standard enrollment at any time if desired.