Embark on a journey through time and thought in our session "Central Ideas of Upanishads," where we explore the profound wisdom in these ancient texts. Written around 500 BCE, the Upanishads signify a pivotal shift from ritualistic practices to philosophical inquiry in Indian thought. Often referred to as Vedanta, meaning 'the end of the Vedas,' these texts were later incorporated into the Indian Vedas and have since played a crucial role in shaping many contemporary institutions and ideologies.

Of the known 108 Upanishads, approximately 12 are considered major texts, holding immense spiritual and philosophical significance. These texts introduced groundbreaking concepts in the Indian philosophical system, such as Brahman (the ultimate reality or unity) and Atman (individual soul or diversity), offering a unique perspective on the nature of existence and consciousness. The Upanishads are also credited with introducing pluralistic thoughts and key concepts that have become integral to Indian culture and philosophy, such as Karma (action and its consequences), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Satya (truth). These ideas not only shaped ancient Indian thought but continue to influence modern beliefs and practices.

In our session, we will provide an overview of the Upanishads, delving into their historical context, cultural significance, and the central ideas they put forth. We aim to demystify these ancient texts, making their timeless wisdom accessible to a contemporary audience. Join us as we uncover the essence of Upanishadic wisdom, connecting ancient insights with modern perspectives. This session is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the foundational texts of Indian philosophy and their enduring impact on culture and thought.

Limited seats; reserve early! We would request a suggested donation of CHF 20-25 for the space.

HOSTS:

Deepak Bansal is the Founder and CEO of MQ Learning, a Swiss-based EduQua-certified academy dedicated to teaching humanistic skills in the digital age. His extensive 15+ years in the corporate world include executive roles at Accenture, Deutsche Post DHL, and Zurich Insurance (COO, Head AI & Robotics). A distinguished academic, Deepak has a Masters in Technology from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, an MBA from the University of St Gallen, Switzerland, and an MA in Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), California, USA. In addition to his role at MQ Learning, Deepak actively engages in academia as a guest lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, focusing on 'Digital Ethics by Design.' 

SCHEDULE:

18:45 – 19:00 – Mindful Arrival

19:00 – 20:30 – Indian Philosophy Session

20.30 - 20.45+ – Networking & Departure