Introduction to the Vedas (Choose the mode of Study)

US$100.00

Description of the Course: This foundational course offers a profound exploration of the Vedas—the most ancient and revered body of knowledge in human civilization. Authored by Prof. Dr. Ravi Prakash Arya, the course presents the Vedas not as sectarian scriptures, but as universal blueprints of cosmic creation and divine order. It dismantles common misconceptions and reveals the Vedas as repositories of metaphysical, astrophysical, and physical sciences—eternal expressions of universal law, accessible through the enlightened intellect.

Participants will engage with original Sanskrit mantras, their Roman transliterations, and lucid explanations grounded in Vedic tradition and scientific reasoning. The course emphasizes the apauruṣeya (non-human) origin of the Vedas, their structure, components, methodologies of interpretation, and their application in understanding consciousness, nature, and society.

This course is ideal for scholars, seekers, researchers, and anyone interested in Indian knowledge systems, comparative philosophy, cosmology, and spiritual science.

Study Modules:

Module 1: Understanding the Vedas

  • What is Veda? Etymology and Concept

  • Vedas as Apauṛuṣeya – Not of Human Authorship

  • Vedas and Creation: A Scientific Blueprint

  • Relationship between Veda, Yajña, and Itihāsa-Purāṇa

Module 2: The Origin and Revelation of Vedic Knowledge

  • Ṛtambharā Prajñā and Samādhi: The Process of Insight

  • Role of Agni, Vāyu, Āditya, and Aṅgirā as First Seers

  • Transmission of Vedic Knowledge from Ṛṣis to Humanity

Module 3: Structure and Components of the Vedas

  • Classification of Vedas: Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, Atharvaveda

  • Four Components: Mantra, Ṛṣi, Devatā, Chhanda (Metre)

  • Vedic Svaras and Principles of Chanting

Module 4: Philosophical Foundations of Vedic Knowledge

  • Vedas as the Science of Adhibhautika, Adhidaivika, and Adhyātmika Realities

  • The Principle of Māyā and the Evolution of Prakṛti

  • Brahman as Creator and Sustainer: The Unified Field

Module 5: Interpretation and Schools of Exegesis

  • Nirukta of Yāska: Etymological Interpretation

  • Śrauta and Yājñika Schools: Ritual and Symbolism

  • Parivrājaka and Naidāna Schools: Mystical and Causal Views

  • Historical and Modern Interpreters (Eastern & Western)

Module 6: The Vedas as Cosmic and Scientific Literature

  • Chhandas as Astronomical Markers: Solar Latitude and Seasonal Cycles

  • Vedic Physics: Energy, Forces, and Fields

  • Human Life and Cosmic Law (Ṛta and Satya)

Module 7: Application and Relevance of the Vedas Today

  • Vedic View on Ecology, Education, and Social Order

  • Scientific Spirituality and the Vedic Paradigm

  • Vedas and Modern Science: Continuity and Convergence