Eastern Philosophy: From Confucius to Yogananda from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objective

Apply the teachings of eastern philosophy to their life in order to live with more purpose, meaning, and joy.

Syllabus

Introduction

Eastern Philosophy is a broad subject that covers the teachings of philosophers and gurus throughout history. In this lesson we will go over what to expect from the course, and how a study of the subject can help you live a better life as we grapple with the ever more complex and chaotic modern world.

Not exactly a religion but not just a form of exercise, the ancient practice of Yoga as taught by spiritual teachers for thousands of years has much to teach us about how to live a well-balanced and meaningful life. In this lesson, you will learn what Yoga is and how it can help you to live a more fulfilling life.

Patanjali was a powerful Yoga guru that revived the teachings of the ancient Vedic texts and helped spread Yoga throughout India over two thousand years ago. In this lesson, you will learn about Patanjali's approach to Yoga and what he has to teach us about being happier more complete human being.

In this lesson, you will learn more of Patanjali's teachings and how he has had such an impact on the historical tradition of Yoga as it has morphed throughout the centuries and become what we know today.

Confucius was such a prolific figure that his teachings spread throughout ancient China and continue to influence culture throughout all of Asia today. In this lesson, you will be introduced to this powerful thinker and learn about some of his core teachings.

In this lesson, you will learn more about the teachings of Confucius and what he has to say about many aspects of life. The wisdom of this great philosopher can help us become better decisions makers, be a better family member, and motivate us to become the best versions of ourselves.

In this lesson, you will learn some of the more practical applications of Confucius's teachings and how they can help to improve your everyday life starting right now. One of the core messages of the great teachers throughout the East is that we need not wait for some distant future to build the life that we want, but rather must being taking actions today that are rooted in reality and present circumstances.

Krishnamurti was a unique figure in the pantheon of Eastern Philosophy in that he rejected all forms of organized religion and authority in favor of an emphasis on total freedom from what he perceived to be the enslavement of our minds by governments, teachers, and religions of all shapes and sizes. In this lesson, you will be introduced to this very interesting and powerful mind.

In this lesson, you will learn more of Krishnamurti's core insights and how they can have a positive impact on your life through developing a more clear sense of self and confidence in your own realizations and judgement.

In this lesson, you will learn how to apply the teachings of Krishnamurti to your everyday life in order to become more insightful and think in a way that will help with your overall judgement and decision making. Krishnamurti also has much to teach us about how to go within ourselves and learn who we are so that we can more easily live the life that we have chosen rather than the life that has chosen us.

Vivekananda was another unique but powerful figure in the annals of Eastern Philosophy tradition. His teachings are inspirational in nature and can you find untapped energy within yourself through his insights on the human condition. In this lesson, you will be introduced to this very interesting and wise spiritual teacher.

In this lesson, you will continue to learn some of Vivekananda's most useful teachings and how he played a large role in once again reviving the ancient teachings of Yoga in the tradition of Patanjali before him. He also helped to popularize Patanjali's Sutras, which helped to further spread Yoga throughout India in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In this lesson, you will learn some practical applications of Vivekananda's teachings that will help you in your everyday life. From finding inspirational work to living the life of your dreams, Vivekananda has much to teach us as we walk the path of an aspiring seeker of truth.

Considered by many to be the archetype of the Indian Yogi, Yogananda perhaps did more than anyone else to spread Yoga throughout the United States during his years in American during the 1920s. He has lately been popularized by the late great Steve Jobs famously having only one book on his computer at the time of his death: Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi. In this lesson, you will be introduced to this powerful spiritual figure.

In this lesson, you will learn more of Yogananda's teachings on how to live a more carefree peaceful life through the practice of meditation and other ways to cultivate calmness and learn to let go of your fears and worries as you navigate this tumultuous modern world in which we now live.

In this lesson, you will learn how to apply some of Yogananda's most insightful and practical teachings in your life.

In this lesson, we conclude our discourse on Eastern Philosophy and leave you with some final thoughts and inspiration as you go about your everyday life and start to implement these ancient spiritual teachings.

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Offers practical applications of Eastern philosophical teachings, which can be directly integrated into daily routines for stress reduction and improved well-being

Explores the teachings of influential figures like Confucius, Krishnamurti, and Yogananda, which provides diverse perspectives on navigating life's challenges

Examines the principles of Yoga as taught by spiritual teachers, which offers insights into living a balanced and meaningful life beyond physical exercise

Focuses on applying philosophical concepts to improve decision-making, relationships, and overall self-development, which empowers learners to become better versions of themselves

Covers a wide range of Eastern philosophical traditions, which may require learners to navigate diverse concepts and historical contexts

Reviews summary

Practical wisdom for everyday life

According to learners, this course offers a clear and accessible introduction to Eastern philosophical traditions from Confucius to Yogananda. Many appreciate the emphasis on practical application, finding the teachings relevant to everyday life for reducing stress, improving relationships, and gaining perspective. The instructor is highly praised for his clear explanations, engaging delivery, and ability to simplify complex ideas. Some students noted the course provides a broad overview rather than deep dives into specific philosophies, which was suitable for beginners but left some desiring more advanced content. Overall, reviews indicate a positive impact on personal growth and well-being.

Covers many figures but not in deep detail.

"This course gives a good introduction to several key figures in Eastern philosophy, a nice overview."

"It covers a wide range of teachers, which is great for getting started, but doesn't go very deep into any one."

"I feel I got a good sense of the main ideas, but I'll need to do further reading for more depth on specific topics."

"It's a survey course, hitting the highlights from Confucius to Yogananda."

Excellent starting point for newcomers.

"As someone completely new to Eastern philosophy, this course was the perfect starting point."

"It's very accessible for beginners and doesn't assume any prior knowledge."

"If you've never studied these topics before, this course is a great place to begin your journey."

"I found it easy to follow along despite being a complete novice."

Instructor is knowledgeable and inspiring.

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which made the lessons inspiring."

"I enjoyed the instructor's teaching style very much; he was engaging and personable."

"His enthusiasm for the topic is infectious and makes you want to learn more."

"The best part of the course was the instructor's delivery and insights."

Instructor simplifies complex ideas effectively.

"The instructor has a remarkable ability to explain complex philosophical ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand way."

"His lectures were clear, concise, and kept me engaged throughout the course."

"I found the explanations of potentially confusing topics to be exceptionally clear and helpful."

"The way the concepts were presented made them very accessible, even for someone new to philosophy."

Helped improve perspective and well-being.

"Taking this course has genuinely changed my perspective on life for the better."

"I feel calmer and more grounded after learning about these philosophies."

"The teachings have had a positive impact on my mental state and how I approach challenges."

"It has inspired me to live a more mindful and intentional life."

Focus on applying concepts to daily life.

"The course was excellent and focused on practical steps I could take in my everyday life."

"I appreciated how the instructor showed us how to apply these ancient teachings to modern challenges."

"This course has genuinely helped me live with less stress and worry by applying the principles discussed."

"It's not just theory; the course is designed to show you how to use these ideas right now."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Eastern Philosophy: From Confucius to Yogananda with these activities:

Review basic yoga postures

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Prepare for the course by refreshing your knowledge of basic yoga postures, which are foundational to understanding the principles of yoga discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Yoga

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Find a reliable online resource or book on yoga postures.
Review the names and alignment of common poses.
Practice the postures to improve your familiarity.

Start a meditation practice

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Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to experience the benefits of mindfulness and inner peace, as emphasized by many Eastern philosophers.

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Choose a quiet space and time for meditation.
Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration.
Focus on your breath or a mantra to quiet your mind.
Be patient and persistent with your practice.

Review Autobiography of a Yogi

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Deepen your understanding of Yogananda's teachings by reading his autobiography.

View Autobiography of a Yogi: Timeless Wisdom... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how Yogananda's teachings can be applied to your life.

Four other activities

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Review The Analects of Confucius

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Gain a deeper understanding of Confucius's philosophy by reading The Analects.

View The Analects: HarperCollins is proud to present... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of The Analects.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how Confucius's teachings can be applied to your life.

Discuss Eastern Philosophy with peers

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Engage in discussions with peers to deepen your understanding of Eastern Philosophy and gain different perspectives on the teachings.

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Form a study group with other students.
Choose a topic or reading to discuss.
Share your thoughts and listen to others' perspectives.
Ask questions and clarify any confusion.

Journaling on Eastern Philosophy

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Reflect on the course material by journaling about how the teachings of Eastern Philosophy apply to your own life and experiences.

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Dedicate time each week to journal.
Write about specific concepts or teachings that resonate with you.
Explore how these concepts can be applied to your daily life.
Reflect on your progress and insights over time.

Create a personal philosophy statement

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Synthesize the teachings of Eastern philosophers covered in the course to create a personal philosophy statement that guides your actions and decisions.

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Review the teachings of Confucius, Yogananda, Krishnamurti, and Vivekananda.
Identify core values and principles that resonate with you.
Write a statement articulating your personal philosophy.
Share your statement with others for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Eastern Philosophy: From Confucius to Yogananda will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Holistic Health Practitioner

A holistic health practitioner focuses on treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – to promote overall health and well-being. This course on Eastern Philosophy strongly aligns with the holistic approach by integrating ancient wisdom and spiritual teachings into everyday life. This course may be useful to a practitioner who can apply yoga, meditation, and philosophy to people's lives. A holistic health practitioner needs to understand how ancient traditions may assist individuals in becoming healthier. With this course, a health practitioner can improve their knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Holistic Health Practitioner

Mindfulness Coach

A mindfulness coach trains individuals and groups to cultivate mindfulness practices. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful, as it directly aligns with the principles of mindfulness by emphasizing stress reduction, self-awareness, and living in the present moment. The course discusses yoga and meditation, which are powerful tools that can be used to strengthen one's ability to be present. Mindfulness has been shown to assist those with addiction and mental health struggles, and this course goes a long way toward exploring that avenue. This course may be a strong way to create a foundation for those who wish to become mindfulness coaches.

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Spiritual Director

A spiritual director guides individuals on their spiritual journey, helping them to connect with their inner selves and find meaning in life. This course on Eastern Philosophy is highly relevant, as it delves into the teachings of spiritual leaders and philosophers from various Eastern traditions. The course may provide a framework for understanding different spiritual perspectives and guiding others in their personal exploration. The study of figures such as Yogananda and Krishnamurti, who offer insights into meditation, self-awareness, and living a purposeful life, may be most useful to a spiritual director. A spiritual director may find this course to be a critical resource in their work.

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Meditation Instructor

A meditation instructor guides individuals or groups in meditation practices, helping them find inner peace and reduce stress. This course on Eastern Philosophy is particularly relevant, as it directly addresses stress reduction and the cultivation of inner peace through practices rooted in ancient traditions. The course references the principles of yoga, as taught by spiritual teachers for thousands of years, and how to live a well-balanced and meaningful life. The teachings of Yogananda, in particular, are useful and will help one who becomes a meditation instructor. This course may provide a solid foundation for teaching meditation and guiding others on their journey of self-discovery.

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Wellness Consultant

Wellness consultants work with individuals or organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and improve overall well-being. This course on Eastern Philosophy aligns well with the goals of a wellness consultant, as it emphasizes stress reduction, improved relationships, and a more fulfilled life. Learning about the teachings of figures like Confucius and Krishnamurti may provide insights into decision-making, relationships, and self-awareness, all of which are valuable when guiding others toward wellness. This course may provide a unique perspective on well-being by incorporating ancient wisdom into modern wellness practices. A wellness consultant will find this course to be useful due to its focus on Eastern thinkers.

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Life Coach

A life coach guides clients in various aspects of their lives, helping them to achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful for someone interested in becoming a life coach. The course delves into ancient wisdom and practical applications for overcoming life's challenges, reducing stress and worry, and fostering fulfilling relationships which are key for a life coach to have knowledge of. By exploring the teachings of influential figures like Confucius, Krishnamurti, and Yogananda, this course may help provide a foundation for guiding others toward a more purposeful and joyful life.

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Conflict Mediator

Conflict mediators help parties in dispute to find common ground and reach mutually acceptable resolutions. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be helpful in fostering the skills necessary for conflict resolution, as it emphasizes improved relationships, reduced stress, and a more balanced approach to life's challenges. Studying the teachings of Confucius, who stressed harmony and ethical conduct, and Krishnamurti, who emphasized clear thinking and self-awareness, may allow someone who becomes a conflict mediator to better understand the perspectives of others and facilitate productive conversations. This course may be useful in preparing someone to become a conflict mediator.

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Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors advise students on academic, personal, and social development. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful in helping individuals to navigate life's challenges and make sound decisions. The course explores teachings that can help reduce stress, improve relationships, and foster a sense of purpose. By studying the wisdom of figures like Confucius and Vivekananda, one who becomes a guidance counselor can gain different perspectives on personal growth and well-being, which may be useful when supporting students through difficult times. The mention of Yoga may also benefit someone who becomes a guidance counselor.

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Employee Assistance Program Counselor

An Employee Assistance Program counselor provides confidential counseling and support services to employees dealing with personal or work-related issues. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be helpful, as it addresses stress reduction, improved relationships, and overall well-being. By learning the teachings of figures like Patanjali and Vivekananda, someone who becomes a counselor can gain insights into managing stress, finding inner strength, and cultivating a more balanced life, which may be useful when supporting employees through difficult times. An EAP counselor may find this course to strengthen their ability to counsel.

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Social Worker

A social worker helps individuals and families cope with challenges and improve their well-being, often working with vulnerable populations. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful, as it addresses stress reduction, relationship improvement, and finding purpose in life. Studying figures like Confucius and Krishnamurti may provide different perspectives on human behavior and motivations. The principles of yoga may be helpful to social workers as well. Social workers can use the ideas taught in this course to help those who seek to improve their lives.

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Corporate Trainer

A corporate trainer delivers training programs to employees, aiming to develop their skills and improve their performance. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful in enhancing leadership skills and promoting a more positive work environment. The teachings of Confucius, which emphasize ethical conduct and harmonious relationships, may be particularly applicable in a corporate setting. Corporate trainers are responsible for helping employees improve their soft skills and this course may be useful in providing a different perspective. A corporate trainer benefits from this course by learning about ancient traditions.

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Public Speaker

A public speaker delivers speeches or presentations to inform, inspire, or entertain an audience. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful, as it explores ways to connect with audiences on a deeper level and impart wisdom that can improve their lives. The teachings of figures such as Vivekananda and Yogananda, who were known for their inspirational words and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, may provide insights into effective communication and audience engagement. A public speaker will be able to use the teachings mentioned in this course to improve their message.

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Ethics Officer

An ethics officer is responsible for ensuring that an organization operates with integrity and adheres to ethical standards. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful, as it examines philosophical principles of ethics and morality through the teachings of various Eastern thinkers. The emphasis on ethical conduct, as exemplified by Confucius's teachings, may be particularly relevant for an ethics officer seeking to guide organizational behavior and decision-making. This course may be helpful to one becoming an ethics officer.

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Author

An author writes books, articles, or other written content for publication. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful, as it provides a wealth of knowledge about ancient wisdom and its application to modern life. The course introduces learners to various philosophical traditions and influential figures, which may inspire new ideas and perspectives for an author's writing. A course like this could stimulate an author to write about the impact of philosophy on self-improvement for the modern world. Authors are always seeking new ideas and paths of inspiration.

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Volunteer Coordinator

A volunteer coordinator recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for nonprofit organizations or community initiatives. This course on Eastern Philosophy may be useful in fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose, which are essential qualities for effective volunteer management. The teachings of figures like Vivekananda, who emphasized service to others, may inspire a volunteer coordinator to create meaningful opportunities for volunteers to contribute to their communities. The emphasis on harmonious relationships also assists a volunteer coordinator.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Eastern Philosophy: From Confucius to Yogananda.

The Concise Autobiography of a Yogi

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Spiritual classic that introduces readers to Yogananda's life and teachings on Kriya Yoga. As the course covers Yogananda's philosophy, this autobiography provides valuable context and inspiration. It offers insights into meditation, self-realization, and the path to inner peace. This book useful reference for understanding the historical and philosophical underpinnings of Yogananda's teachings.

Autobiography of a Yogi: Timeless Wisdom Distilled...

Kindle Edition

The Analects (Collins Classics)

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Contains the core teachings of Confucius, covering ethics, social relationships, and governance. Since the course includes a section on applying Confucius's teachings, this book is essential for understanding his philosophy. It provides direct access to his wisdom and guidance on living a virtuous life. This book useful reference for understanding the historical and philosophical underpinnings of Confucianism.

The Analects: HarperCollins is proud to present a...

Kindle Edition

Eastern Philosophy

From Confucius to Yogananda

What's inside

Learning objective

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical wisdom for everyday life

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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