Study Abroad Program

Rutgers University 2012-2013 Winter Session Study Abroad at the Jiva Institute of Vedic Studies

This rare study opportunity facilitates an authentic cultural experience into one of India’s most sacred places under the guidance of Dr. Satyanarayana Dasa.

Course Name: Introduction to Hinduism

Course Code: Religion 01:840:322:01 (3 Credit course)

 

Course Description:

Students will spend 3 weeks in the medieval Indian holy town of Vrindavan near Delhi, one of the holiest sites in India, sacred to the deity Krishna.

The academic component of the course will primarily consist of an historical study of the philosophical and religious traditions of India, with a particular focus on the devotional traditions that typify Hinduism. Additional features will include guided tours to the temples and holy places of the region, instruction in the religious art, iconography, song, dance, and other cultural and aesthetic expressions of Hinduism typical of the area, as well as exposure to temple worship, pilgrimage, and the myriad other forms of devotional practice. The course includes excellent living facilities in the Jiva Institute, vegetarian meals, and a consultation with a traditionally trained doctor of Ayurveda, the classical Indian system of health and healing. Trips to the Taj Mahal in the nearby cultural city of Agra will be arranged.

 

Course Professor: Satyanarayana Dasa:

Dr. Satyanarayana Dasa is an accomplished traditional scholar. He holds an M.Tech degree from IIT, a PhD in Sanskrit from Agra University, and eight traditional shastric degrees in various subjects. He is the author of 15 books related to Indian culture and philosophy.  Satyanarayana Dasa conducts classes on the Indian knowledge systems for scholars from around the world.  He has initiated a program for the preservation, translation and publication of  ancient scripture as his library houses over 10.000  texts, many dating back to the 13th century.  Dr. Dasa has produced hundreds of audio and video lectures which are being complied into a Digital Library.

Course Schedule:

The Course officially begins with an introductory Course Meeting on Friday, 21 December 24, 2012,  from 4-6pm.  The meeting will take place at Rutgers University, exact classroom TBD.  During the course meeting, we will have a pre-orientation of the course, answer final questions of students before departure, and introduce the online component of the course consisting of video/audio content to review before arriving in India.

The onsite program in India will run from December 28, 2012-January 13, 2013.

We will have three hours of class per day and daily excursions to visit the sacred sites in Vrindavan and the surrounding area.  A few highlights include over 5000 temples in Vrindavan, Parikrama of Vrindavan and Govardhan Hill, Radha Kunda, Mathura Museum and Krishna birthplace, Taj Mahal in Agra, boat trips along the Yamuna River.   Daily yoga and music classes will also be offered as will opportunities for Ayurvedic consultations, kirtan, and cow service.

Sample Schedule of a Typical Day:

• 6:30am: Yoga Class (Optional)
• 8:00am: Breakfast
• 9:00am: Cultural Excursion
• 1:00pm: Lunch
• 2:30pm: Class
• 6:00pm: Dinner
• 7:30pm: Kirtan and Music Class (Optional)

Travel:

There will be a group flight option available as our Assistant Instructor will travel with the students.  Group flight will leave Newark International Airport on December 26th and return to Newark on Saturday January 14.  The group flight will be optional but allow students to travel comfortably under instructor supervision.   Group will take private transportation from Delhi Airport to Vrindavan (3-4hrs by car).

The Jiva Institute will arrange transportation from Delhi to Vrindavan for students not on the group flight.

Facilities:

Jiva Institute includes traditional charm with modern amenities and services.  All rooms have private Western style bathrooms and private balconies.  There is a garden, veranda, roof decks, and goshala (home of protected cows) on site.  Our international staff of Indians, Americans, and European speak fluent English and are devoted to making your stay as smooth as possible.  Our Ayurvedic Chef prepares three vegetarian meals daily and fresh drinking water is provided in abundance to all students.

Course Fees:

Course Fees will include standard three credit course tuition, airfare, and a student fee.  Student fee includes all costs associated with the trip, including accommodation, three vegetarian meals daily, all ground transportation, associated excursion costs such as museum entrance fees, and University administrative fee.  Students will not need additional spending money as student fee will be all-inclusive.

Registration & Additional Information:

Please contact Robert Lindsey via email:  Robert@jiva.com or phone: 410-916-1733 to pre-register for the course or with any additional questions.