Study Roadmap (In English)
Madhyasth Darshan Journey Roadmap
Madhyastha Darshan' is a path to attain knowledge & live accordingly. The study journey has been briefed here. This takes time.
There are mainly four phases in the study. Each phase has some "steps", passing through which, completes the understanding of that phase.
- In this phase, the ability to read texts is developed by becoming aware of the basic elements of Madhyasth Darshan philosophy
- Consists of 3 stages {Introduction Workshop, Adhyayan Bindu (Basic Concepts), & Overview (Avlokan)}
Phase 2: Systematic Study/ Adhyayan. (Shravana)
- In this phase, the basic texts of philosophy are read and understood
- Consists of 2 stages {Book reading + Repetitions with discussion forums}
Phase 3: Systematic Practice. (Manana)
- In this phase the practice intensifies leading to internal transformation.
- Consists of 1 stage {Practice}
Phase 4: Understanding & Knowledge (Sakshatkara)
- In this phase, the realities are known directly
- Consists of 3 stages (Realization-Understanding-Experience)
The guide contains the description of each phase/step, possible benefits (symptoms) . This English version does not contain the study material-links for each stage. Please download the hindi margdarshika below:
- *If you are reading this after attending the Introductory (Parichay Shivir) please see introductory resources and practices here.
- Download PDF of the Journey below with detailed explanation of each Stage in English.
- * गंभीर अध्येता अध्ययन के चरणों के सामग्री हेतु सम्पूर्ण मार्गदर्शिका को देखे
Course/Stage #1: Jeevan Vidya Parichay
The Madhyastha Darshan journey begins with the seven-day Jeevan Vidya Parichay Camp. The Jeevan Vidya Parichay Camp gives information about the complete dimensions of human life and all situations. The mysteries related to these are eliminated, along with making the path of solution clear. It is suggested that you attend Parichay camps by more than one Prabodhak. This stage may take 6 months to 1 year.
Course/Stage #2: Adhyayan Bindu
The 'Adhyayan Bindu' Shivir is an explanation of the 'Jeevan Vidya 44 Points Booklet' by that name written by Shri A. Nagaraj. In this, one becomes aware of the basic elements of Madhyastha philosophy - such as knowledge of coexistence, knowledge of consciousness, knowledge of humane conduct, discretion, science, unified society and universal system. This workshop also helps clarify that Madhyastha philosophy is an 'alternative' to materialism and idealism. It is suggested you attendone or two Adhyayan bindu camps at an interval of 3-6 months.
Course/Stage #3: Avlokan
The Avlokan Camp offers an introduction to the complete literature of Madhyastha Darshan in a summary form along with a discussion on the approach to reading them. Along with this, it also clarifies the method of study and practice. The objective of the Avlokan Camp is to enable the reading of Madhyastha Philosophy books and to help in summarizing ones understanding post such reading. In this, the mindset of studying "existence based human centric contemplation' becomes clear. Completing the Avlokan Module may take approximately 9 months to 1 year. Doing the Avlokan gives good preparation for reading the books in the Adhyayan Shivir.
Course/Stage #4: First round of reading the 12 books
Madhyastha Darshan Study (Adhyayan) Shivir is a systematic study of 12 books (4 philosophies or darshans, 3 'isms & 3 shastras (scriptures), the book on definitions and human constitution). In this, a senior student explains the teachings and it can be completed on full time or part time basis. Complete information about understanding, living, humane system and tradition is revealed and the mind is prepared to understand and live it further. Study camps are available from 6 months to 2 years, in full and part time modes.
Course/Stage #5: Repeated reading and discussions.
Study-Practice Goshthis - Along with re-reading the books several times, there is an opportunity to test one's understanding/beliefs/conclusions, understand the methods of practice and deepen friendship with each other. This happens in small groups. In this stage, the entire language is synthesized and comes to us in the form of aphorisms. In this phase, all the books have to be read 2 to 8 times and it may take 4 to 8 years to accomplish this.
Course/Stage #6: Manana
After having 'understood' the entire literature, the manana phase is for focusing on becoming what one has understood, to become knowledgeable oneself. Detailed discussions take place on the aspects of ones internal and external behavior, self-evaluation and understanding. In this phase, language reduces, while 'meaning' increases. It takes many years to attain maturity in manan, and this depends on our previous sanskar and intense desire to change ourselves.
Sakshatkara, Bodh, Anubhava
In sakshatkara, we have direct perception of the realities that we have previously understood & contemplated on. We get knowledge of the unchanging realities that exist in existence. There is no language and logic, due to realization, there is faith in the entity understood and commitment to live accordingly. Once we have sakshatkara, the books/words start getting left behind. The stability of avdharna takes time in the process of sakshatkara & bodh. It depends on our previous sanskaar and our intense desire.
- As we have avdharna, all inhumane and prohibited behaviour is left behind. It gives rise to the knowledge of developed consciousness.
- In bodh, there is firmness on the things that have been realized. The book gets left behind.
- In the sakshatkara-bodh process, one starts achieving rest, happiness & peace, contentment in the self. There is continuity of joy based after anubhava.
- Knowledge and conduct get complete in anubhava.