The 18 Vidyas
Description
The symposium delves into the 18 Vidyas, a profound collection of knowledge from ancient Indian traditions, encompassing various fields of study.
Â
These Vidyas include the four Vedas, six Vedangas, and other essential texts such as the Upanishads, Puranas, and Smritis.
Â
By exploring these diverse areas, the symposium aims to highlight the depth and breadth of ancient Indian wisdom, ranging from spiritual and philosophical teachings to practical sciences and arts. Scholars and practitioners will discuss the historical significance, contemporary relevance, and potential applications of these traditional knowledge systems.
Â
This event seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of India’s rich intellectual heritage.
Activities
The symposium will feature lectures and panel discussions on the Vedas, subsidiary Vedas, and auxiliary sciences, providing an in-depth examination of these foundational texts.
Â
Interactive workshops on Sanskrit grammar and phonetics will offer participants hands-on learning experiences to deepen their understanding of this ancient language.
Â
Exhibitions will showcase ancient texts and manuscripts, giving attendees a rare glimpse into the historical context and preservation of these works.
Â
Demonstrations of Vedic rituals will bring to life the traditional practices and ceremonial aspects of the Vedic tradition, offering a comprehensive and immersive exploration of ancient Indian knowledge systems.
Key Feature
The symposium aims to bring together scholars, experts, and enthusiasts to delve into the depths of Vedic knowledge and its relevance in contemporary times.
Â
Esteemed academics will share their research and insights on the enduring significance of the Vedas and related texts. Panel discussions will facilitate dynamic exchanges on how these ancient teachings can address modern challenges and inform current practices.
Â
Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage with experts through Q&A sessions, fostering a vibrant community of learners.
Â
The event will also emphasize the practical applications of Vedic wisdom in areas such as wellness, ethics, and education, highlighting its timeless relevance.
vidyas symposium events
Overview of the 18 Vidyas
The 18 Vidyas in traditional Indian education form a holistic system encompassing spiritual, intellectual, and practical knowledge. The four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva) are central scriptures providing hymns, rituals, and spiritual teachings. The six Vedangas include Shiksha (phonetics), ensuring accurate Vedic recitation; Vyakarana (grammar), essential for understanding Sanskrit; Chandas (meter), maintaining the poetic structure of hymns; Nirukta (etymology), aiding interpretation; Kalpa (rituals), guiding religious practices; and Jyotisha (astronomy), determining auspicious timings. The four Upavedas expand this knowledge with Ayurveda (medicine), Dhanurveda (martial arts), Gandharvaveda (music and arts), and Arthashastra (economics and politics).
Mission:
Statement about the event page’s mission to promote and preserve ancient knowledge systems.
Vision:
Aspiration to create a platform for learning and exploration of the 18 Vidyas.
Details of upcoming workshops, seminars, and lectures covering various aspects of the 18 Vidyas.
Bios of guest speakers, scholars, and experts in Vedic studies, Ayurveda, astrology, and other related fields.
Archives of previous events with recordings, notes, and feedback from participants.
Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems Overview
The ancient Indian knowledge systems encompass a diverse array of disciplines, texts, and philosophical traditions that have profoundly influenced the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual landscape of the Indian subcontinent. These systems include the foundational Four Vedas, which comprise hymns, rituals, and philosophical insights, alongside subsidiary Vedas, such as Brahmanas and Upanishads, offering further elucidation on Vedic teachings. Puranas provide mythological narratives and cultural histories, while philosophical schools like Nyaya and Mimamsa delve into logic, epistemology, and ritual interpretation. Dharmashastra offers guidelines for moral and legal conduct, while Vedanga and auxiliary sciences encompass disciplines like grammar, phonetics, and astronomy, collectively forming a comprehensive framework of ancient Indian wisdom.
The Four Vedas
Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—are ancient Hindu scriptures containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings, forming the foundation of Hindu religious and spiritual traditions.
Subsidiary Vedas
Subsidiary Vedas, including Brahmanas and Upanishads, provide supplementary explanations and philosophical insights into the rituals, hymns, and spiritual concepts found in the Four Vedas, enriching the understanding of Vedic teachings and practices.
Purana, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Dharmasastra
Puranas are Hindu scriptures containing mythological narratives, cosmology, and moral teachings, preserving cultural and religious traditions. Nyaya and Mimamsa are classical Indian philosophical systems exploring logic, epistemology, and ritual interpretation, contributing to philosophical inquiry and spiritual understanding. Dharmashastra comprises texts providing guidelines for moral conduct and legal principles in Hindu society, addressing ethical duties and social norms.
Vedanga and Auxiliary Sciences
Vedanga and auxiliary sciences encompass disciplines such as grammar, phonetics, astronomy, and ritual studies, supporting the interpretation and understanding of ancient Indian texts. These fields provide essential frameworks for linguistic analysis, astronomical calculations, and ritualistic practices, enriching the study of traditional Indian knowledge systems.
