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| UNDERSTANDING THE VEDAS |
Course Code AVID 002 |
| In conjunction with Vedic Research & Cultural Heritage Centre, Mumbai |
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‘Veda’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vid’ which means to know. Therefore Veda is ‘gyan’ or knowledge. Though the scriptures date back to the time of creation, they are sophisticated enough to be highly relevant and adaptable to contemporary living.
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“Understanding Vedas” is an innovative course that strikes to connect the participants to one of the greatest heritage of Indian civilization and gives peek into the eternal principles covering all aspects of life. The Course will consist of a series of lectures on the Vedas, suitably contextualized to the current environment. It is aimed at explaining and summarizing the theoretical and practical essence of its contents while stimulating the participants to research deeper into this vast subject. The lecture modules will include 13 sessions each of approx 90 minutes. Apart from the lucid presentations by the Panditji (faculty), each module would include a group discussion and Q& A session. The Course modules cover the following topics: |
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 Introduction to Scriptures
- Guru Sishya Parampara
- Central theme of Brahman
- Vedic Phonetics
- Shastras, Puranas, Smritis
- Vedic math and astronomy
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Overview of Vedas
- History of vedic and post vedic age
- Origin of the Four Vedas
- Aum the most complete word
- Contents of each Veda
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Overview of Vedangas
- Shiksha - Vedic Phonetics
- Vyakaranam - Vedic Grammar
- Chhandas - Vedic Meters
- Jyotish - Astrology & Astronomy
- Nirukta - Origin of words (Etymology)
- Kalpa - Reckoning of Time (Panchanga)
- Construction, analysis and importance of horoscope
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Overview of Upavedangas
- Ayurveda – Vedic Medicine and Surgery
- Gandharvaveda – Vedic Music and Fine Arts
- Dhanurveda – The art of warfare
- Vastu Shastra – Rules of Architecture
- Arya Dharmas – Duties of human being
- Five Energies – Agni/Fire, Prithvi/Earth. Vayu/Air, Varuna/Water, Akash /Space
- Upanishads
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Introduction to Rigveda
- Essence of Rigveda
- Rationale for Idol worship
- Vedic roots for Drama, Medicine, Geography,Astronomy,Boats/Planes,etc.,
- Shlokas
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Introduction to Yajurveda
- Essence of Yajurveda
- Samskaras- Explanation of the life cycle
- Nature and Creation
- Bhagvad Geeta – Quintessence of the Vedas
- Shlokas
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Introduction to Sama Veda
- Essence of Samaveda
- The birth of music and its components
- Relation of music to food, gem stones
- Music therapy
- Shlokas
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Introduction to Atharvaveda
- Essence of Atharvaveda
- Secret of life
- Classification of elements – clouds, rains, lightning. Etc.,
- Origin of atoms, archery, plastic surgery
- Shlokas
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Chanting of Extracts from Vedas
- Phonetics of Chanting Shlokas and their impact on nervous system
- Significance of pronunciation, rhythm, meaning, hand movements
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Explanation of Panchamahayagnas
- Deva Yagna – worship of the God
- Brahma Yagna – Study of the Scriptures
- Pitru Yagna – contemplate on Gurus and Ancestors
- Bhoota Yagna – For the welfare of all aspects of Nature
- Nara (Manushya) Yagna – For the welfare of the society
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Meditation and Yoga explained
- Power of Meditation
- Ashtanga Yoga – The eight-steps of meditation
- DVD show
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Pooja Vidhis and Practices
- Procedure of consecration
- Preparation for prayer and post worship
- Vedic calendar and importance of the days, stars , planets
- Reading of Panchanga, the Vedic calendar
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Havan for Universal Peace and Propserity
- Different types of Havan and their connotation
- Significance of various components of sacrifice used in Havan
- Relevance of Havan in today’s age
- Practical demonstration and participation in the Havan
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| Know your Faculty |
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Pandit Gowri Shankarji, started his academic pursuit at the age of nine, and is among the most talented and prolific spiritual leaders in India. After intense study of the scriptures and Sanskrit language, his abiding interest in spirituality propelled him to attain degree in Vedic Science and Bharatha Shastra from Madras University.
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With an in depth knowledge of scriptures and decades of spiritual legacy behind him, Panditji has been tirelessly propagating knowledge on Vedas, Indian culture. He has established a unique multi-dimensional Vedic Research & Cultural Heritage (VRCH) centre in Mumbai to promote the significance of holistic 'Vedic' solutions and adapt them to modern lifestyle. |
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Conferred with the title “Bharata Kala Shastra Prachara Mani” in 1998, he is associated with 23 reputed institutions where he imparts knowledge on array of topics like Natyashastra, Vedas, Indian Culture, Pooja Vidhi etc through lectures, talk shows and demonstrations. |
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Panditji has travelled across the globe giving discourses and conducting workshops. He has given lectures to cosmopolitan audience with in the USA, Canada, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Mauritius, Kazakhstan, other countries . Fluent in Tamil, Sanskrit and English, Panditji has a easy style of teaching supported by structured power point presentations.
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| Where ? |
Board Room, |
Textiles Committee Building, |
P Balu Road, |
Prabhadevi Chowk, |
Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400 025 |
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| When ? |
Mondays & Wednesdays between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm
from 2nd Nov 2009 to 14th Dec 2009, |
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| November: |
2,4,9,11,16,18,23,25 & 30 |
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| December : |
| 2, 7, 9 &14 |
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| Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
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| How much does it cost ? |
Rs 12,000 per person for 13 sessions |
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| The Course Coordinator |
AVID 002,
Essar Foundation,
11 K.K. Marg, Mahalakshmi,
Mumbai 400 034.
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Tel: +91 22 66601100 |
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| Acknowledgement |
Mrs. Vatsala Jatia, is a homemaker and WISE group enthusiast. She also contributes her time to Rajasthani Mahila Mandal, an established NGO. She can be contacted at vatsala.jatia@avidedu.in |
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 Photo Gallery |
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| Quotes/ Messages |
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AVID 002: - Understanding the Vedas 