The
Centre for the Study of World Religions
(CSWR) was established at Dharmaram College in 1971 to foster dialogue
among religions and harmony of life. CSWR functions at present as a Centre of
Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, in the Faculty of Philosophy. The Centre offers
courses on Religion in Contemporary India, organizes seminars and workshops and
Fellowship in Religious Experience (FIRE). The Centre publishes, since 1975, Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Quarterly Journal of Religions and Philosophies to bring together scholars from all over the world
to seriously deliberate upon issues pertaining to religions and philosophies,
encouraging research in inter-religious studies and dialogue.
Objectives:
To foster
interest and understanding in the religious dimensions of societies and peoples
in India
To enable the students to understand and interpret the diverse
religious beliefs and practices around us, and foster understanding between
religions
To
provide theoretical and practical knowledge on various religious traditions to
those intending to teach religion in schools at home and abroad
Religion in Contemporary India is a rich and
vigorous three
week
programme devoted to the study of religions, offered by the Centre. Through a participative approach to the study
of religion, the course brings out the uniqueness of each religion with
similarities and differences with other traditions. The course involves
lectures, by eminent scholars in the field, on the major religious traditions
in India and of the issues they raise in contemporary world. After
a general introduction of religious phenomena in India, the course is divided
into six sections which consider six major religious traditions – Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. Other topics include Indian Culture
and Religion, Dialogue of Religions, Women Empowerment, Rationality and
Religious Experience, New Religious Movements, Folklores and Tribal Religions,
and Inculturation. There are opportunities to learn and practice Yoga and
meditation.
Guided Visits to
Religious and Cultural Centres Include:
Al
Ameen Mosque, Bangalore
Art
of Living Centre
Aurobindo
Ashram
Bull
Temple, Bangalore
Brhamakumari
Rajayoga Centre, Gottigere
Dharmaram
College Chapel
Fireflies,
Kanakapura
Gurudwara,
Ulsoor
ISKON
Temple, Bangalore
Jain
Temple
Mahabodhi
Society
National
Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre
Pyramid
Valley, Kanakapura
Ramakrishna
Math
Vidya
Vanam Ashram