Course Title: A Study of Satyarth Prakash

Course Code: IC-001

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Certificate

Duration: 16 weeks

Course Description

This course explores the philosophical, social, and religious reform thought of Swami Dayanand Saraswati through a detailed study of his magnum opus Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth). The text, originally written in Hindi, presents a rational interpretation of Vedic thoughts and Vedic critique of superstitions, social evils, ritualism, and sectarian dogmas. The course will focus on Dayanand's revival of Vedic thought, logic, ethics, theism, and his contributions to Indian reform movements.

Course Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to:

Comprehend the central themes of Satyarth Prakash

Analyze the Vedic and rationalist principles advocated by Dayanand Saraswati

Examine key critiques against popular sects, blind faith, and ritualism

Evaluate the impact of Dayanand's reform movement on Indian society and nationalism

Apply critical thinking and ethical reasoning based on Vedic philosophy

Modules & Weekly Schedule

Module I: Life and Mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati (Week 1)

Biography and intellectual journey

Arya Samaj: Foundation and goals

The role of Satyarth Prakash social, cultural and religious  Reforms 

Module II: Vedic Theism and Rejection of Idol Worship (Weeks 2–3)

Concept of Ishwar in Vedic philosophy

Rejection of Murti-puja and polytheism

Comparative study of the concept of Ishvar in Abrahamic and other religions

Module III: Principles of Vedic Ethics and Rationalism (Weeks 4–5)

Truth, non-violence, Brahmacharya, social service

Logic and scriptural interpretation

Opposition to superstition and magic

Module IV: Reform of Hindu Practices and Institutions (Weeks 6–7)

Critique of caste by birth, untouchability

Opposition to child marriage and promotion of widow remarriage

Vedic education and women’s upliftment

Module V: Inter-Religious Critique and Dialogue (Weeks 8–10)

Responses to Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

Methods of rational and respectful criticism

Dayanand’s view of religious pluralism

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 11–14

Module VI: Vedic Science, Cosmology and Education (Weeks 11–12)

Time, creation, cosmology in Vedic view

Ancient Indian sciences and measurements

Role of Gurukula and modern application

Module VII: Political and Social Legacy of Swami Dayanand (Weeks 13–14)

Influence on freedom fighters: Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo, Bhagat Singh

Arya Samaj’s role in education and national awakening

Summary of Vedic dharma and call for universal reform

Certification

Certificate will be issued by VSVV those who will score total 50% marks in the quiz, details of which is given below

Those who  require certificate, they shall have to undergo the following assessment process. 

• 75% attendance in Zoom discussion session-10%
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ ) – 20%
• Questions with short answers- 20%
• Fill in the blanks-10%
• Questions with long Answers- 40%. or
• A project   – 40%

The above assessment process is not required  who are doing the course to enhance their knowledge and need no certificate.  

Registration Fee  

Registration Fee : $50, Discounted Fee: $30

Course Fee

There will be four variants of the course: Free, Low, General, and VIP. Their details are given as under:

Free Variant- Course is offered free of cost. Participants are welcome to make voluntary Guru Dakṣiṇā  at  donation /payment page of website during or after the conclusion of the course to support this endeavor.  If you are unable to afford the fee, you can apply here for fee waiver or scholarship.

Application for Fee waiver or Scholarship

Low Variant – $ 99

This option is designed for self-motivated learners who prefer independent study.

• Full access to all Video lectures
• Self-paced learning format
• Flexible schedule—study anytime during the course period

This variant allows students to learn foundational and structured knowledge in the concerned subject through guided video instruction at an affordable cost.

General Variant – $ 299

This option combines self-paced learning with limited personalized guidance.

• Full access to all video lectures
• Four personalized Zoom sessions (i hour  each) during the course period to provide opportunity to ask questions within and out of domain and clarify doubts and receive targeted guidance

This variant is ideal for students who want periodic interaction with the teacher while primarily studying through recorded content.

VIP Variant – $ 599

This premium option provides extensive personalized instruction and mentorship.

• Full access to all video lectures
• Eight personalized Zoom sessions (1 hour  each) during the course period to ask questions within and out of domain and clarify doubts 
• Individualized guidance tailored to the student’s learning pace
• In-depth discussion, pronunciation correction, grammar refinement, and advanced clarification

This variant is designed for serious learners who seek close mentorship and accelerated progress in subject proficiency.

Course Start Dates:

Generally all digital and correspondence  are  offered four times a year, scheduled in alignment with the Vedic Calendar. 

1. Uttarāyaṇa Period (Winter Solstice):  Dec. 21 to  20 March

2. Devayāna Period (Vernal Equinox): 21 March to 20 June

3. Dakṣiṇāyana Period (Summer Solstice): 21 June to 22 Sept.

4. Pitṛyāna period (Autumn Equinox): 23 Sept. to 20 Dec.

Note: 1.  Participants are also allowed to take the course according to their convenience.

2. Course access will remain open only for 15+1 week or its scheduled duration. Participants are advised to complete and access all course materials within this period, as access will not be available once the course window closes.

Duration of the Course  

Duration of Satyarth Prakash Course is 16 weeks. 

Those who have registered can access  the  lectures course material by clicking the orange button below.

Registration Open

 Those who want to participate in the course can register by clicking the blue button below.

Course Fee:  

Upon receiving confirmation of your successful registration, you are requested to proceed with the payment of the course fee for your preferred variant by clicking the green button below.