The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are three of the world's most profound philosophical traditions, each born on the Indian subcontinent yet each offering a strikingly different vision of the soul, existence and our place in the universe. Together they have given humanity some of its most enduring ideas about consciousness, ethics and the nature of reality.
Jainism's philosophers predicted the existence of microorganisms. Buddhism pioneered the scientific study of consciousness and the relationship between mind and body. Hindu scholars gave the world the zero, the decimal system and some of the earliest known surgical techniques. These are not just religions. They are civilisations of thought.
What will we cover?
- The history of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. - The fundamental principles of the three religions, their similarity and philosophical differences. - The connection of Indian religions and modern science. - The current status of the religions and their practice and their relation to problems of the modern world.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- State the historical and cultural context for the Indian Religions. - Explain the principles underpinning each religion. - Reflect on the relation of religions to current world problems.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. It will appeal to all those who would like to find out about Indian religions. It is anticipated that participants will come to the course with an open mind and be respectful to others of all faiths or none. A willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated presentations, lively group discussions and collaborative tasks drawing on primary sources and visual materials
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs or requirements.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
See City Lit's website for details of all religious studies courses currently available.
Ketan teaches courses in Philosophy and History at City Lit, covering topics including Indian history and philosophy, the history of mathematics and engineering, and the Industrial Revolution. He also delivers short courses in Generative AI. Ketan is of Indian heritage with a deep passion for history and culture. Having studied engineering before moving into a career in business change and transformation, he brings a rare blend of technical and humanistic perspective to his teaching. Over the past 25 years he has visited many places of historical and spiritual significance across the Indian subcontinent and Europe.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/an-introduction-to-indian-comparative-religions236930An introduction to Indian comparative religionshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-indian-comparative-religions-hrs47-square.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Religion & belief/Courses/vm/South Asia season/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in humanities22851177140412021353013614135721228511771404165313457The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.34.72815857An introduction to Indian comparative religions7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-indian-comparative-religions-hrs47-square_6.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-08-08T00:00:00+00:00Aug 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHRS477979An introduction to Indian comparative religions635179Ketan Variaan-introduction-to-indian-comparative-religions/hrs47-2526The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.0000-Available|2026-08-08 00:00:00<p>Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are three of the world's most profound philosophical traditions, each born on the Indian subcontinent yet each offering a strikingly different vision of the soul, existence and our place in the universe. Together they have given humanity some of its most enduring ideas about consciousness, ethics and the nature of reality.</p><p>Jainism's philosophers predicted the existence of microorganisms. Buddhism pioneered the scientific study of consciousness and the relationship between mind and body. Hindu scholars gave the world the zero, the decimal system and some of the earliest known surgical techniques. These are not just religions. They are civilisations of thought.</p>The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.- The history of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. <br>- The fundamental principles of the three religions, their similarity and philosophical differences.<br>- The connection of Indian religions and modern science.<br>- The current status of the religions and their practice and their relation to problems of the modern world.- State the historical and cultural context for the Indian Religions.<br>- Explain the principles underpinning each religion. <br>- Reflect on the relation of religions to current world problems.The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. It will appeal to all those who would like to find out about Indian religions. It is anticipated that participants will come to the course with an open mind and be respectful to others of all faiths or none. A willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<p>Illustrated presentations, lively group discussions and collaborative tasks drawing on primary sources and visual materials</p>There are no additional costs or requirements.See City Lit's website for details of all religious studies courses currently available.Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefvirtual637951HRS47NONESat08/08/2610:30 - 17:3010:3017:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendKSKeeley StreetKetan VariaAvailable courses2026-08-08T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeAug 2026Culture, history & humanities7979An introduction to Indian comparative religionsan-introduction-to-indian-comparative-religions/hrs47-2526The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.0000-Available|2026-08-08 00:00:00<p>Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are three of the world's most profound philosophical traditions, each born on the Indian subcontinent yet each offering a strikingly different vision of the soul, existence and our place in the universe. Together they have given humanity some of its most enduring ideas about consciousness, ethics and the nature of reality.</p><p>Jainism's philosophers predicted the existence of microorganisms. Buddhism pioneered the scientific study of consciousness and the relationship between mind and body. Hindu scholars gave the world the zero, the decimal system and some of the earliest known surgical techniques. These are not just religions. They are civilisations of thought.</p>The course is an introduction to Indian Religions. Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism all have common aspects, but also some fundamental differences in philosophy.- The history of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. <br>- The fundamental principles of the three religions, their similarity and philosophical differences.<br>- The connection of Indian religions and modern science.<br>- The current status of the religions and their practice and their relation to problems of the modern world.- State the historical and cultural context for the Indian Religions.<br>- Explain the principles underpinning each religion. <br>- Reflect on the relation of religions to current world problems.The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. It will appeal to all those who would like to find out about Indian religions. It is anticipated that participants will come to the course with an open mind and be respectful to others of all faiths or none. A willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<p>Illustrated presentations, lively group discussions and collaborative tasks drawing on primary sources and visual materials</p>There are no additional costs or requirements.See City Lit's website for details of all religious studies courses currently available.Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefconfigurable
