In the opening session of the course, Sri M commences the lecture on the topic of ‘Exploring the Consciousness’ focusing on the most ancient teaching on consciousness, from the Upanishads.

Sri M says, “The tools to explore consciousness are not available today in the so-called Physical Science. We have to step outside of it. The rishis of ancient times have explored the question ‘Who am I and what is my connection to the world?’ This is what we need to understand.”

He explains the concept of Vedanta – all those aspects of ancient wisdom which come under the term Vedanta, the essence of it being the Upanishads which was taught through the mode of ’Samvaad, meaning dialogue and the understanding of which leads one to the Truth. He goes on to explain, in detail, the meaning of the word Upa-ni-shad.

He continues the session by going on to expound the verses of the ‘Mandukya Upanishad’, which is the shortest amongst the principle Upanishads and has only 12 verses. In these 12 verses it sums up the essence of what the ancients thought about consciousness.

Session 1 ends with Sri M answering questions put forth by the students and the staff.