Vedic Siences

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 (50+) 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 20 study hours a week for a duration of 42 weeks per year = 840 hours necessary for study, which gives 30 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 (Ba/Ma).
(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
€ 2000,00 (Euro) for the entire course (including guidance, written work- and thesis assessment, DUC-diploma; excl. study books).
Per module: € 200,00 (Euro)
Literature: approx. €200,00, first year of study.

Teacher / Tutor: Kush Visser, M.A. Law (DUC University College Fellow)
Supervisor: Prof. Will 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: 90 study hours = 3,2 study points.
Total: 10 modules x 75 = 750 + 90 = 840 study hours = 30 study points.

One Year Study Program:
The Significance, Path and Goal of the Vedas

Module I: Upanishad of Rig Veda
Aitareya Upanishad – Origin of Man from Consciousness

Study Unit 1
Why study the Upanishads - What are the Upanishads – Tributes – Road Map – Invocations for Peace
Aitareya Upanishad: Origin of Man from Consciousness – (1) Man is created from Consciousness – (2) Continuity of Creation – (3) Consciousness is Absolute, Brahman; Commentaries

Literature
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Introduction pages 3 - 28
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Aitareya Upanishad-Origin of Man from Consciousness, pages 75-96

Module II: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (1)
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad – God and I are One

Study Unit 2
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad: God and I are One – (1) Who am I – What is Love – What is Brahman – Transmigration and Self-Realization – Objects of Meditation – Birth follows Death; Commentaries

Literature
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas; Brhadaranyaka Upanishad - God and I are One, pages 97 - 238

Module III: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (2)
Isa Upanishad – Harmony of Opposites

Study Unit 3
Metaphors and Analogies – Parables and Allegories - Ten Parables and Allegories – Overview of Ten Dialogues – Maxims on ‘God and I’
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

Literature
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Introduction pages 29 - 75
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas; Isa Upanishad – Harmony of Opposites, pages 239 - 257

Module IV: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (3)
Katha Upanishad – Dialogue with Death

Study Unit 4
Katha Upanishad: Dialogue with Death – In search of secrets of death – This, verily, is That…; Commentaries

Literature
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas; Katha Upanishad - Dialogue with Death, pages 259 - 294

Module V: Upanishad of Yajur Veda (4)
Taittiriya Upanishad – Five layers of human personality

Study Unit 5
Taittiriya Upanishad: Five layers of human personality – Know your Self – Know the Cosmic Self – Bhrigu’s self-discovery of the Self

Literature
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Taittiriya Upanishad - Five layers of human personality, pages 295 –332

Module VI: Upanishad of Sama Veda (1)
Chandogya Upanishad – That thou art

Study Unit 6
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
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Chandogya Upanishad - That Thou Art, pages 333 - 470

Module VII: Upanishad of Sama Veda (2)
Kena Upanishad – Evolution of Matter – Life - Mind

Study Unit 7
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
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas, Kena Upanishad - Evolution of Matter, Life and Mind, pages 471-494

Module VIII: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (1)
Mandukya Upanishad – States of Consciousness

Study Unit 8
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
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas;Mandukya Upanishad-Three States of Consciousness, pages 495-517

Module IX: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (2)
Mundaka Upanishad – One Absolute behind every Relativity

Study Unit 9
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
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas; Mundaka Upanishad - One Absolute behind everything relative, pages 519 - 555

Module X: Upanishad of Atharva Veda (3)
Prasna Upanishad – The Cosmic Person within us

Study Unit 10
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
Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas; Prasna Upanishad - The Cosmic Person within us, pages 557 - 586

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.    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
9.    The Purana’s - the process of action and reaction