Other Online Programs
Enjoy the convenienece of online learning. Individual courses available online are listed below.
- Basic Hindu Scriptures
Basic Hindu Scriptures
HIN 5001 Basic Hindu Scriptures (3 credits)
Categorization of basic Hindu scriptures by time line, gradation of primary and secondary authority, languages, authorship, highlighted tradition of philosophy, yoga, tantra and life style. Structure and material presentation in different basic scriptures: diversity in the Veda, Upanishads, sutras, Gita, epics, Smriti’s and Shastras. Traditions of faith and philosophy in relation to the basic scriptures: readings of select textual portions from basic scriptures and linking it with the principles, practices, ethics and contemporary relevance in relation to specific issues like spirituality, religious identity, rituals, family norms, ethical values, health, profession, education and entertainment. Selections recommended from the following: Veda’s (Shanti mantras, Purusha sukta, Sri sukta, Bhagya sukta, hiranya garbha sukta, devi sukta, Rudra – Prashna) Upanishads (major Upanishads and Yoga Upanishads), Ramayana, Mahabharata, Dharma sutras, Gruhya sutras, Vedangas, Ayurveda, Yoga sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Jaina sources, Adi granth, Tulsi Ramayana, BhagaVata, Manu smriti, commentaries by masters, prayers in Hindu traditions and worship.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Message of the Bhagavad Gita
Message of the Bhagavad Gita
HIN 5104 – Message of the Bhagavad Gita
(This course is offered as three weekend intensives)
Srimad Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the key scripture in Hindu tradition at a status equivalent to that of the Bible for Christianity and the Koran for Islam. For centuries, millions of Hindus have found solace and comfort in the words of wisdom in Gita’s verses. The first English translation of Gita appeared in 1785 with introduction by the first British Governor General Warren Hastings and that publication has been recognized as one of the "striking events in the universal history of philosophy". Ever increasing popularity of Gita can be assessed from the fact that an international bibliography of Gita (for the period 1785-1979) contains 2795 entries in 50 different languages selected out of some 6000 citations collected by the author. Today the Gita is considered by Eastern and Western scholars alike to be among the greatest spiritual texts the world has ever known. In the words of Aldous Huxley, “Bhagavad Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value… to all of humanity.” According to Albert Einstein, “When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect on how God created this universe, everything else seems so superfluous.” Undoubtedly understanding of the message of Gita is a must for every student of Hindu thought.To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Journey of the Soul
Journey of the Soul
HIN 5603 – Journey of the Soul
Secret Mystery of Birth and Death: A Multicultural Study of the Journey of the Soul.
Do we exist before taking birth? Did we choose our life before taking birth? Does our life begin with birth and end with death?
Western material science has generally stifled interest in the preexistence of the soul and survival of consciousness beyond the present body. Yet throughout history and across diverse cultures, a multitude of great thinkers have affirmed the immortal consciousness of the soul.
In this course, we explore multi-cultural perspectives as well as accounts based upon contemporary gifted individuals.
Course materials is richly enhanced with artistic representations:
1) What is the Soul?
2) What is Death?
3) What is Birth?
4) What is the evidence of souls choosing birth and parents?
5) Prarabdha Karma and Reincarnation
6) Higher States of Consciousness and Conscious Birth
7) Higher States of Consciousness and Conscious Death
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Philosophy of the Upanishads
Philosophy of the Upanishads
HNP 5002 Philosophy of the Upanishads (3 credits)
Upanishads as epitome of Vedic spiritual science; concept of Atman - individual being and Brahman - Universal Being; universe as Lila - divine play; law of Karma and reincarnation; ideal of Moksha or liberation from Samsara.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Vaishnava Philosophy
Vaishnava Philosophy
HNP 5301 – Vaishnava Philosophy
This course gives an overview of the history of the Vaishnava faith and its development in India. It describes the various Vaishnava schools with a brief description of their founders, philosophy, practices and followers.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Contemporary Hindu Philosophers
Contemporary Hindu Philosophers
HNP 5701 – Contemporary Hindu Philosophers
Contemporary Hindu Philosophers constitute a cross-section of the views of modern Hindu Philosophers concerning religion and metaphysics and their interpretative role.
Most Hindu Philosophers are practical men of religion. They lived in accordance with what they preached and they were mostly ‘realized’ souls (i.e. people who have had experience of the ‘ultimate reality’ through their own specific ways).
The course involves the evaluation and appreciation of the work of contemporary Hindu philosophers including:
1. Sri Ramakrishna
2. Swami Vivekananda
3. Rabindranath Tagore
4. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
5. Sri Ramana Maharishi
6. Sri Aurobindo
7. Jiddu KrishnamurthyTo register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Principles of Hinduism
Principles of Hinduism
 HUC 5001 Principles of Hinduism (3 credits)
An overview of Hinduism – Perspectives of analysis and presentation in its name, meaning, characteristics; Hinduism source works – overview of basic Hindu scriptures; select reading from source scriptures like Veda’s, Upanishads, Epics, Smriti’s, Bhagavad-Gita, Puranas, Dharma-Shastras; life styles, profession and progression (Var?a-Ashrama Dharma, Jatii, Purushartha), rights and obligations (Dharma, Karma, Rina, Papa, Punya, Svarga, Naraka), God, Demigods and incarnations (Avtaras); spirituality practices through four yoga paths: Jñana, Karma, Bhakti & Raja; religious traditions inspired by Vedic practices – Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, subaltern religions; overview of major Hindu philosophical and faith traditions (six darshanas, Astika-Nastika matas), Karma theory providing a vision beyond one unit of life-death cycle, one sacred book; concept of Yajña-Dana-Tapas, Hindu scientific traditions, cultural and literary heritage.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Practices of Hinduism
Practices of Hinduism
HUC 5002 Practices of Hinduism (3 credits)
Pre-requisite HUC 5001- Principles of Hinduism. Concepts of principles in practices (Dharma and Karma-kanda ); Hindu samskaras & rituals as a way to understand the nature of Hinduism, Hindu calendar; world view and interaction of persons following different paths of yoga; written and unwritten rules of ritual, conduct and traditions, ethics and economics of Hinduism; Hindu-prayers; Hindu Temple, priest and activities; major Hindu festivals, observances, pilgrimages, sacred places, Hindu religious orders; understanding experiences of Hindus with non-Hindus; Hindu practices in the traditional wider world including Nepal and Bali – Diasporas.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Basic Sanskrit
Basic Sanskrit
HUC 5003 Basic Sanskrit (3 credits)
Philosophy of Sanskrit language, order of alphabets, devanagari character design, Siva sutras, Shiksha-Shastra, voicing and scripting devanagari Sanskrit, linguistically and culturally elegant reading, writing and apprehending of devanagari Sanskrit script in transliteration and digital media.
History of Sanskrit language grammars, dictionaries and learning methods (traditional and modern), transliteration issues, diacritical marks, distinction between classical Sanskrit and Vedic Sanskrit; computers and Sanskrit (software, programming), modern linguistics and Sanskrit, importance and contemporary relevance of Sanskrit studies.
Basic grammar covering – nature of Sanskrit word, usage of English – Sanskrit dictionary, noun and verb conjugations, metrical structures in prayers/mantras (used in temples and for chanting), introduction to euphonic combinations (Sandhi- rules), introduction to some of the basic declensional patterns of nouns, pronouns, adjectives, numbers, including gender, number, case-endings, the conjugational patterns of verbs (present, past and aorist), indeclinable words, prefixes, suffixes, formation of feminine bases, compounds, active and passive participles, voices, word-order, simple sentence formation and translation from Sanskrit to English and vice versa, (all with exercises), select readings from good sayings (subhashitas) and classical works (like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kalidasa’s works, Panchatantra), simple conversation in Sanskrit; daily prayers in Sanskrit; enactment of daily life situations using Sanskrit vocabulary by participants, amusement-learning games using Sanskrit, story building with pictures in Sanskrit; a program in Sanskrit designed, enacted and composed by participants at the end of the course (for intensives).
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Research Methodology
Research Methodology
HUC 5004 Research Methodology (3 credits)
I. Course Description
The HUC 5004 Research Methodology course presents a basic grounding in research methods via an introductory survey of the scientific approach within the context of the social sciences. The course is designed to introduce students to basic concepts and offer a broad systematic survey of scientific inquiry. The course will emphasize the importance and limitations of theory and methodology in social science research via the themed areas of: Foundations of Empirical Research, Design and Structure of Research, Data Collection, and Data Processing and Analysis. Additionally, a familiarization with writing and reporting of professional social science research will be examined and carried out. Notably students will as a culminating course project develop a complete proposal worthy of a planned study.
II. Intended Audience:
The format of the course will be primarily dialogic via a potential mixture of:
· facilitated lecture
· guided discussion
· engaged professional writing
· a culminating research proposal
Note that the course is required of all doctoral students at the Hindu University of America (HUA-A) and needs to be completed as a basic program area requirement prior to any Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE) consideration (please see the applicable course catalog elements delineating such conditions). Particularly, there are no exceptions to this process, as HUA espouses sound research practices as an essential framework pinnacle to scholastic merit and HUA s guiding principles.
III. Course Objectives/Specific Course Purposes:
- Dissertation or thesis proposal preparation
- Introduce students to social science research methods
- Understand social science research and sound inquiry basics
- Familiarization with writing and reporting professional social science research
- Improvement of students' scholastic writing skills, with a concentration in practical scientific discourse based on structured research design and reasoned points of view
IV. Text
- Required: Research Methods in the Social Sciences (1996). Chava Frankfort-Nachmias & David Nachmias, (5th Ed.); Saint Martin's Press Incorporated. ISBN: 0-312-10159-7.
- Strongly Suggested Supplemental Text: American Psychological Association (2002). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th Ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. ISBN: 1-55798-791-2.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Astrology & Astronomy
Astrology & Astronomy
JYO 5101 General Astrology & Astronomy(2 credits)
Theory and history of Vedic Astrology, value and use of Vedic Astrology, Astrology and modern sciences, Astrology and karma, relevance of Vedic Astrology, Astrology and Psychology. The Solar System, earth and the sky, planetary system, inner and outer planets, the north and the south nodes, comets, shadow planets, stars, ecliptic, equator, longitude and latitude, sidereal and tropical zodiac, constellations, planets in Hindu Astronomy-which are important for Vedic Astrology, the lunar, solar and the luni-solar year, almanac or the Vedic Panchanga, eclipses.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Medical Astrology
Medical Astrology
JYO 5401 Medical Astrology (3 credits)
This course covers the fundamental concepts of Astrology including the relationship with Macro Cosmos and Micro cosmos—Edifice of Astrology and Karma theory—Meanings of Astrological terminologies. Signification of Zodiacal signs, houses, planets and stars with relevance to Medical Astrology, parts of human body ruled by signs, planets and stars- study of a healthy body (Deha Soukhya Yoga) or diseased body (Deha Kashta Yoga). Â
Diagnosis of diseases, diseases of women, Astrology for analyzing problems of infants and children, female horoscopy.Â
Ayurveda and astrology- Diseases classified in Ayurveda according to the doshas.
Propitiation of planets and deities through Mantras and Tantras to aid cure of disease. Detection of diseases through horary methods. Vasthu in Medical Astrology.
ÂJudgment of charts for detection, timing and duration of disease. Overcoming of diseases through Astrological factors. Astrology and spiritual tools for relief from the suffering of diseases.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Elementary Yoga
Elementary Yoga
YED 5003 Introductory Yoga (3 credits)
Knowledge of basic principles of Yoga with a focus on the physical system and how it is affected by Asanas; building physical and mental strength through repeated practice and mastery of introductory Asanas; their importance toward health and wellness. Participants are introduced early to work with breath and learn relaxation techniques.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Intermediate Yoga
Intermediate Yoga
YED 5004 Intermediate Yoga(3 credits)
This course continues to build upon the person’s awareness and concentration. Individual is guided to work within his/her limitations and to practice counter-poses. Initially the attention is placed on physical (muscular, sensations and breath), and gradually shifts to the subtler levels, the mental and psychological aspects. Benefits and contra-indications are also discussed.
To this end many sessions emphasize relaxation and breathing techniques, Shatkarma practices which allow the participants to become aware of their internal environments.Deepens practice and skills of medium level Asanas, awareness of breath and movements and physical and mental culture, understanding of Kundalini, Nadis, Chakras. (Pre-requisite YED 5003)
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Advanced Yoga
Advanced Yoga
YED 5005 Advanced Yoga (3 credits)
This advanced course trains the student as a practitioner and teacher of Yoga; it involves intensive study of Yoga, mastery of advanced Asanas, Yoga Nidra, awareness of Kundalini, Chakras, Nadis, Pranas, Mantras and Yantras. Participants are introduced to Hatha Yoga texts, Yoga sutras and the four paths of Yoga in the Bhagwad Gita. Emphasis is placed on students selecting and researching a broad range of topics, including Yoga as therapy and making presentations to the class, as part of their training in lesson planning and teaching.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Patanjali's Yoga Darshana
Online Programs - Patanjali's Yoga Darshana
YPM 5001 Patanjali’s Yoga Darshana (3 credits)
This course examines Yoga tradition in India beginning with Lord Siva, Patanjali’s Yoga System, basic approaches – Samadhi, Sadhana and Kaivalya, emphasizing Samkhya teachings and their relationship with Yoga.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - Yoga Philosophy & Meditation
Online Programs - Yoga Philosophy & Meditation
YPM 5003 – Yoga Philosophy & Meditation (3 credits)
This course covers the history of Yoga Philosophy; the streams that shaped Yoga; the "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali; Yoga Psychology; Yoga asanas and breathing exercises; traditions of Yoga and their relationship with meditation; meditation in the system of Yoga and the Vedantic practices of meditation.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
Close (X). - The Psychology of Yoga
Online Programs - The Psychology of Yoga
YPM 5004 -The Psychology of Yoga (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the classical texts of East Indian thought that continue to inform contemporary Yogic perspectives on the nature of consciousness, and the mind. Students will learn the underlining theories (and related practices where applicable) of Samkhya’s philosophy, Taittreya Upanishads and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. At the end of this course participants will be prepared to thoroughly discuss the differences and similarities between Eastern and Western concepts of consciousness, and the mind. We will explore the ongoing relevance of these theories as they contribute to modern psychological thought and inform contemporary understanding of the role of body, mind and spirit in fostering equanimity, health and healing.
To register for this course you need to create an account on www.ivhuonline.org
If you already have an account on ivhuonline.org, please click here to register.
Close (X). - Kapila's Samkhya Darshana
Kapila's Samkhya Darshana
YPM 5002 - Kapila's Samkhya Darshana
Out of the six traditional Indian schools of philosophy Sankhya is considered the oldest.
Its first principles appear in the Upanisads like Svetashvatara,Katha and Prashana. The System itself underwent modifications from time to time. We have three strata of the system. The first is theistic and is represented by the Sankhya Pravachanasutra of Kapila.
The second is an atheistic system (not taking God into consideration) represented by Charaka and Panchashikha. The third and the most popular one is propagated by the Sankhya Karika of Ishvara Krishan. This also does not refer to God. It has been commented upon by many scholars.
Sankhya enumerates 25 tattvas or principles and its chief objective is to effect the final emancipation of an individual soul (purusha) from the shackles of worldly existence. This is possible by acquiring the proper understanding of the other 24 tattvas and by discriminating between Purusha and Prakriti (primordial Matter) and its involutes .
Prakriti and Purusha are the two ultimate, independent tattvas, neither of which can be derived from each other. The whole universe owes its existence to the interaction between Prakriti and Purusha. The evolution of Prakriti can take place only through its contact with Purusha.
The philosophy of Sankhya is important for understanding the vedic scriptures such as the Upanisads and the Gita. It is also the basis for the Yoga system.
To register for this course, please contact staff@hua.edu
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