Course Content

• Classify the aṣṭādaśa vidyāsthānas (vedas, vedāṅgas, upāṅgas, upavedas), which are the eighteen fields of knowledge in Hinduism, based on śāstrik methods. The Vedas are the most important of these fields, and they are believed to be the apauruṣeyaḥ (revelation). The vedāṅgas are six auxiliary sciences that are used to study and interpret the Vedas. The Upāṅgas are a group of related texts that are not part of the Vedas but are still considered to be important sources of Hindu knowledge. The Upavedas are four ancillary Vedas that deal with specific subjects, such as āyurveda (medicine) and dhanurveda (archery).
• Distinguish the vidyāsthānas, śāstras and darśanas using the lakṣaṇa & svarūpa. Vidyāsthānas, śāstras and darśanas are all types of Hindu scriptures. Vidyāsthānas are general fields of knowledge, while śāstras are more specific texts that deal with a particular subject. Darśanas are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality. Lakṣaṇa refers to the defining characteristics of a text, while svarūpa refers to its essential nature. By understanding the lakṣaṇa and svarūpa of vidyāsthānas, śāstras and darśanas, students will be able to distinguish between them.
• Uddeśa is the purpose of a text, lakṣaṇa are its features, and parīkṣa is the process of verification. By identifying these elements, students can interpret the meaning of a text. Dharmādharmībhāva is a technical term that refers to the relationship between a thing and its substratum. It is an important concept in Hindu philosophy, and it can be found discussed in many Vedic texts.
• Śāstric terms are technical terms that are used in Hindu scriptures. Pāribhāśika śabda refers to the specific meaning of a word within a particular śāstra. By understanding the different ways that śāstric terms can be used, students will be able to interpret Hindu scriptures with greater precision.