Vedic Sciences
The Significance, Path and Goal of the Vedas
Our 1-year (post) Bachelor study program on the Vedic Sciences has been composed for students and adults who wish to broaden their understanding of the Vedic Sciences. The Vedas are the oldest records of wisdom pertaining to human existence and evolution. Nearly one billion people throughout the world consider these writings to be sacred. At the same time the Vedas are the least understood and accessible of all ancient holy texts. In spite of the fact that there have been extensive commentaries by scientists, philosophers and other scholars, the Vedas remain mystical and confusing for many people.
Therefore, in this intensive study we will deal with the most important Vedic points of view. You will learn that the Vedas contain all of the wise teachings necessary to comprehend existence, creation and human evolution and also how to successfully apply this knowledge to your daily lives.
This programme consists of modules, whereby each module is again subdivided into study units. The successful completion of each module gives the student a certain number of study points.
Our program has been individualized (enabling one to be flexible in time and intensity) and is an on-line course which has been formulated by the Dutch University College and allows one to study at home.
One can start anytime with this study.
The study can be done part-time and encompasses a 1 year period involving an average of 15/20 study hours a week for a duration of 50 weeks per year = 1000 hours necessary for study, which gives (1000: 28)= 35,7 ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System).
(Depending on the time available for study, a shortening or lengthening of this study tempo is possible).
Following the successful completion of this study a DUC-diploma will be granted (Bachelor of Vedic Sciences).
(Note: exemption from certain aspects of this course is possible if one can provide written proof that sufficient knowledge in certain areas of study has already been obtained. This can be discussed and an exemption can be granted.)
Costs
€ 1800,00 (Euro) for the entire course (including guidance, written work- and thesis assessment, DUC-diploma; excl. study books).
Literature: approx. € 100,00, first year of study.
Teacher / Tutor: Kush Visser, M.A. Law (DUC University College Assistant Professor and Fellow)
Supervisor: Prof. William Dubbeling MA, PhD.
Kush Visser is a teacher, vedic astrologer, writer, ayurvedic consultant, musician and spiritual coach. He is an internationally recognized expert in several facets of India’s ancient Vedic culture with its traditional teachings on Vedanta, Ayurveda, Yoga-Therapy & Meditation, Vedic Astrology, Vedic Literature (Ramayana & Mahabharata), Vedic Music and Vedic Architecture.
He is the author of several books on these topics. He also teaches at universities abroad and is a respected and beloved teacher at the Dutch University College.
Study Program
From time immemorial there has been a continuous attempt by humanity to comprehend the mysteries of life. There have been many sources of knowledge to draw from. The Vedas are records of India’s ancient and respected tradition of wisdom. The aim of this study is to obtain insight into the profound significance found in the Vedic mantras as well as comprehending their practical application to daily life.
Vedic Science, the oldest and most original of all sources of information, has inspired millions of people throughout the world. Renowned scholars such as Einstein, Max Müller, Schopenhauer and H.P. Blavatsky all recognized the Vedas as the highest possible authority on human wisdom. The sacred and original Vedic mantras radiate light in a subtle, precise and detailed manner on every part of life, illuminating it. They reveal not only the principles of existence, life and evolution but also show one how to apply these principles practically. Their value remains indisputable and untouched by the passing of time. The most fundamental concept to be grasped is that everything originates from the same universal source. This is a fascinating point of great revelation which has inspired and continues to inspire many souls to enquire more deeply into life’s mysteries. An intensive study of the Vedic Sciences enriches one’s personal experiences and gives practical tools of how to successfully apply this knowledge to daily living.
Study Goals
The Vedas are full of practical knowledge and each of its sections, though complete in themselves, are intimately connected to each other just as life is interconnected with the whole. In this studyprogramme we will study 10 of the most important Upanishads; each of them are related to one of the Vedas and explain and comment on them.
Study Points
At the end of each module a test requiring written answers and consisting of 10 questions about the study material will be given to the student.
At the end of the year of study a thesis of 40 pages is required.
Succesful completion of the academic requirement obtained during this year of study will yield the following study points:
Each module of 75 study hours = 2,7 study points.
Thesis: 100 study hours = 3,57 study points.
Total: 12 modules x 75 = 900 + 100 = 1000 study hours = 35,7 study points.
One Year Study Program:
The Significance, Path and Goal of the Vedas
Module I: Introduction of Significance of the Vedas & Upanishads (I)
Study Unit 1
Introduction – Vedic Cognition - Why study the Upanishads - What are the Upanishads – Tributes – Road Map – Invocations for Peace – Metaphors & Analogies
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone, Chapters I & II
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Introduction & Highlights, Pages 3 – 44
PowerPoint: A Passage Through India
Module II: Introduction of Significance of Vedas & Upanishads (II)
Study Unit 2
Consciousness, Energy and Matter – The Vedic Scriptures - – Allegories - Ten Profound Dialogues – Maxims on ‘God and I’
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone, Chapters III & IV
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Introduction & Highlights, Pages 45 – 72
PowerPoint: Introduction in Vedic Wisdom
Module III: Upanishad of Rig Veda
Aitareya Upanishad – Origin of Man from Consciousness
Study Unit 3
Rig Veda: Wholeness in Being
Aitareya Upanishad: Origin of Man from Consciousness – (1) Man is created from Consciousness – (2) Continuity of Creation – (3) Consciousness is Absolute, Brahman; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone, Chapter V
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Aitareya Upanishad-Origin of Man from Consciousness, Pages 75-96
PowerPoint: Introduction into Oneness
Module IV: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (1)
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad – God and I are One
Study Unit 4
Yajur Veda: Wholeness in Surrender
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad: God and I are One – (1) Who am I – What is Love – What is Brahman
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapter VII
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Brhadaranyaka Upanishad - God and I are One, Pages 97 – 174
PowerPoint: Introduction in Bhakti Yoga
Module V: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (2)
Isa Upanishad – Harmony of Opposites
Study Unit 5
Veda & Quantum Physics – Path & Goal of Veda
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (continuation): Transmigration and Self-Realization – Objects of Meditation – Birth follows Death; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapters IX & X
Ten Upanishads of our Vedas: Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, Pages 175 – 238
PowerPoint: Basics of Meditation
Module VI: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (3)
Katha Upanishad – Dialogue with Death
Study Unit 6
Study of Vedas – The Influence of Veda
Isa Upanishad: Harmony of Opposites – Fundamentals of spiritual life – It moves and It moves not - Signs of Self-Realization – Ignorance and Knowledge – Manifest and Unmanifest The Last Prayer; Commentaries
Katha Upanishad: Dialogue with Death – In search of secrets of death – This, verily, is That…; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone, Chapters XI & XII
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Isa Upanishad – Harmony of Opposites, Pages 239 - 257
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Katha Upanishad - Dialogue with Death, Pages 259 – 294
PowerPoint: Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Module VII: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (4)
Taittiriya Upanishad – Five layers of human personality
Study Unit 7
Veda in Daily Life: How to Proceed?
Taittiriya Upanishad: Five layers of human personality – Know your Self – Know the Cosmic Self – Bhrigu’s self-discovery of the Self
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapter XIII
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Taittiriya Upanishad - Five layers of human personality, Pages 295 –332
PowerPoint: Spiritual Leadership
Module VIII: Upanishad of Sama Veda (1)
Chandogya Upanishad – That Thou Art
Study Unit 8
Sama Veda: Wholeness in Perception
Chandogya Upanishad: That Thou Art – Meditation on OM – Meditation on Vedic Chants – Vidya: Art of Meditation – Spiritual lessons from Nature and Fires – Man’s connection with Cosmos – That thou art – Bhuma Vidya: It is all about happiness – Dhahara Vidya: Meditation on Self within
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapter VI
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Chandogya Upanishad - That Thou Art, Pages 333 - 470
PowerPoint: Healing Practices
Module IX: Upanishad of Sama Veda (2)
Kena Upanishad – Evolution of Matter – Life - Mind
Study Unit 9
The Guru Principle – Kundalini Yoga
Kena Upanishad: Evolution of Matter, Life and Mind – What drives the senses, life and mind – paradox of spiritual knowledge – parable of three gods – Brahman spreading Love
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapters XIV & XV
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Kena Upanishad - Evolution of Matter, Life and Mind, Pages 471-494
PowerPoint: The Essence of Bhagavad Gita
Module X: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (1)
Mandukya Upanishad – States of Consciousness
Study Unit 10
Atharva Veda: Wholeness in Diversity
Mandukya Upanishad: Three States of Consciousness – Aum, a symbol of Totality – Three states of Consciousness – The Fourth: Consciousness, Pure and Absolute – Meditation on Aum; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapter VIII
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Mandukya Upanishad-Three States of Consciousness, Pages 495-517
PowerPoint: Four States of Consciousness
Module XI: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (2)
Mundaka Upanishad – One Absolute behind every Relativity
Study Unit 11
Spiritual Discipline & Health and Food
Mundaka Upanishad: One Absolute behind everything relative – Absolute consciousness and world of Relativity – One Absolute, many relative manifestations – Merger of Relative in Absolute; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapters XVI & XVII
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Mundaka Upanishad - One Absolute behind everything relative, Pages 519 - 555
PowerPoint: Healing, Food & Lifestyle
Module XII: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (3)
Prasna Upanishad – The Cosmic Person within us
Study Unit 12
Lifestyle & Marriage – Worldpeace (Ramraj)
Prasna Upanishad: The Cosmic Person within us – Preparation for spiritual enquiry – Whence are living beings born – What powers energize living beings – How does life-breath function – Who in man sleeps, dreams and keeps awake – Why meditate on Aum – Where to look for the Cosmic person; Commentaries
Literature
The Vedas For Everyone: Chapters XVIII & XIX
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas: Prasna Upanishad - The Cosmic Person within us, Pages 557 – 586
PowerPoint: The Spiritual Dimension of Ramayana
Literature First Year Study Program
1. Narada Kush, The Vedas For Everyone, 450 pages (applied by DUC)
2. Power Point Presentations by Naradfa Kush (applied by DUC)
3. Ram K. Piparaiya, Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, 600 pages, Indusvista Publications, Mumbai,
ISBN 81-7276-298-4
Thesis
Conditions:
A. This thesis must be based on the description and analysis of a theme, chosen by the student.
B. An outline of how the thesis should be written:
- it should be worked out on an A-4 sheet
- the space between lines must be 1 ½ cm
- the front page must contain the title and the name of the university
- first page: title, name university, tutor and student, place and year
- preface, introduction
- table of contents with paging
- length of the thesis ca. 40 pages
- conclusion
- list of literature
After this 1-year programme you can study a second year of Vedic Sciences (BA/MA II)
In the second year we will continue to go more deeply into the practical applications of this knowledge so that these teachings can be of great benefit to us. This includes learning about and gaining practical experience in various types of yoga: the yoga of inner experience (meditation and breathing exercises), the yoga of devotion (opening the heart chakra) and the yoga of action (skill in action).
For this programme you may contact your tutor.
After the second year study programme there is the possibility to specialize in one of the following subjects in order to obtain a master’s diploma/degree. This option must be discussed with both the DUC Dean and the teacher/tutor of the course prior to the beginning of this programme.
1. Wholeness and Study of Vedic Literature
2. The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali
3. Vedanta - the ultimate goal of human existence
4. Ayurveda - the holistic approach of health care
5. Vedic Architecture - creating an ideal environment
6. Vedic Astrology - Self-knowledge and Mastery (mastership) over Time
7. The Epos Ramayana - ideal behavior in all areas of life
8. The Epos Mahabharata (incl. Bhagavad Gita) - ideal teachings of life & existence
Registration form
