Course Title:  Vedic Physics

Course Code: VP -001

Duration: 12 Weeks (One Semester)

Mode: Online / Self-paced + Live Interaction

Credits: Equivalent to 3 Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None (basic familiarity with science and/or Indian philosophy preferred)

Certificate Awarded By: Vedic Science Virtual Vishva-Vidyapeeth (VSVV), USA

Course Objectives

• To introduce the foundational concepts of Vedic cosmology and physics from the perspective of the Vedas, Upaniṣads, and ancillary texts.
• To explore correlations between Vedic insights and modern physics.
• To understand time, space, matter, and energy through both Vedic and scientific frameworks.
• To encourage critical thinking, comparative analysis, and philosophical reflection on the nature of reality.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
• Interpret key Vedic mantras related to physics in their original Sanskrit with meanings.
• Explain Vedic concepts of the creation, structure, and dissolution of the universe.
• Compare Vedic time cycles with astronomical and cosmological timescales.
• Analyze the concept of matter, energy, and motion in the Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika and Sāṅkhya systems.
• Appreciate the philosophical depth and scientific symbolism of Vedic cosmology.

Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Vedic Physics (Week -1)

• Meaning of “Vedic Physics” – scope and sources.
• Primary sources: Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, Atharvaveda, Upaniṣads.
• Supporting sources: Purāṇas, Sūtras, commentaries.
• Vedic and modern epistemology (Pramāṇa vs. scientific method).

Activities:

• Group discussion: “Can physics exist without philosophy?”
• Short quiz on Vedic knowledge sources.

Module 2: Vedic Cosmology & the Brahmāṇḍa (Week-2)

• Brahmāṇḍa (Cosmic Egg) concept.
• Ṛta – the universal order.
• Layers of the universe in Vedic texts.
• Correlation with modern cosmological models.

Modern analogues: expanding universe, cosmic background radiation.

Activity:

• Draw a comparative chart of Vedic vs. modern universe models.
• Create table of Loka names with Sanskrit diacritics.

Module 3: Time and Space in Vedic Physics (week 3 & 4)

• Vedic units of time (muhūrta, tithi, pakṣa, māsa, ayana, samvatsara, yuga).
• Large cosmic cycles: Mahāyuga, Kalpa, and life of Brahmā.
• Concept of Ākāśa and spatial dimensions.

Ākāśa as fifth element (pañcabhūta).

Vedic description of space as medium for sound and energy.

Scientific view of space-time continuum.

Module 4: Matter, Energy & Atomic Theory (week 5)

• Sāṅkhya tattvas – from Prakṛti to Mahat to the gross elements.
• Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika atomic theory (paramāṇu).
• Conservation principles in Vedic texts.
• Concept of Śakti and transformation of energy.
• Modern parallels: conservation laws and particle physics.

Activity: Diagram of tattva evolution.

Module 5: Motion, Forces, and Cycles (week 6)

• Vedic references to planetary motion.
• Vaiśeṣika categories of motion (karma).
• Cyclical vs. linear time.
• Link with Kepler’s laws and Newtonian mechanics.
• Newton’s laws in Vedic perspective.

Activity:

• Chart linking ancient and modern motion categories.

Module 6: Light, Sound, and Vibrations (Week 7)

• Śabda as a fundamental reality.

Śabda as eternal vibration.

• Vedic understanding of electromagnetic phenomena.
• OM as cosmic vibration.

OM as primal sound – physical and metaphysical meaning

• Sound therapy and resonance in physics.
• Vedic understanding of light speed

Activity:

Demonstration of sound wave patterns.

Simple prism experiment with Vedic interpretation.

Module 7: Interplay of Consciousness and Physics (Week 8)

• Role of the observer in Vedic and quantum frameworks.
• Upaniṣadic insights on consciousness as substratum.
• Modern quantum mechanics parallels.
• Yoga and perception in scientific observation.

Activity:

• Short essay: “Is reality observer-dependent?”

Module 8: Vedic Astronomy & Instruments (Week 9)

• Rāśīs & Nakṣatra system (27 divisions).
• Ancient instruments: gnomon (śaṅku), clepsydra (ghaṭī-yantra).
• Correlation with modern telescopes.

Activity:

Draw circle with all 27 Nakṣatras and corresponding angles.

Module 9: Vedic Technology and Applications (Week 10)

• Descriptions of vimānas, yantras, and ancient instruments.
• Conceptual designs based on Vedic principles.
• Ethical framework for scientific use (technology).

Module 10 – Comparative Studies (week 11)

• Parallels between Vedic cosmology and modern theories.
• Where they differ and why.

Activity:

• Comparative chart between Vedic & Modern Physics frameworks.

Module 11: Integration and Contemporary Relevance (Week 12)

• Bridging Vedic and modern scientific discourse.
• Limitations and challenges of interpretation.
• Future research pathways in Vedic Physics.

Assessment

• Quizzes (MCQ + Short Answer) – 30%
• Project (comparative study or diagram-based research) – 40%
• Participation (discussion forums & live Q&A) – 10%
• Final Essay/Presentation – 20%

Suggested Reading List

Vedic Science Journal: Chief Editor Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Vedic Culture and Civilization – Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Vedic Physics-Raja Ram Mohan Rai

Yoga, Vaiśeṣika and Sāṅkhya Sūtras – Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Bhagavad Gitā- Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Engineering and Technology in Ancient India-Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Astronomical texts like Surya Siddhānta and others

Selected hymns from Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda and Atharvaveda (with commentary)

Selected texts from Upanshads and Puranas

Course Fees: 

1. All live online courses are offered free of charge. Participants are welcome to make voluntary donations at our donation page during or after the course to support its continuation and delivery.

2. All digital correspondence and pre-recorded video courses are offered for a nominal fee to support digitization efforts and associated operational costs.

Registration and Commencement of Course:

• Live online course: Registration is required to enroll. Once 60 registrations are received for a particular course, the start date will be announced on the portal. We encourage you to regularly check the portal for updates.
• Digital correspondence and Pre-recorded Video courses: Registration is required to enroll. Upon successful enrollment, the course will begin promptly.