Announcing Jyotisha University
Quality Education in the Astrology of Ancient India
The Vision
For the past twenty years it has been my ambition to follow in the footsteps of my jyotisha-guru, K.N. Rao. Upon retiring from his career as a high-ranking government official, he founded a school of astrology that today provides the highest quality and most in-depth education in this subject available anywhere in the world. Classes at the Institute of Astrology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New Delhi, India are on par with university level courses in their content and rigor, and the two-year curriculum leading to certification prepares students for the main purpose of the institute which is producing original researches that make a contribution to the field of astrology.
Since 1996 I have had a vision of establishing a parallel educational institution that carried on this mission and built upon its considerable legacy. The time has come.
University Without Walls
Through the agency of worldwide web and the wonder of modern teleconferencing technology it is no longer necessary for students and teachers to be in the same location to participate together in a stimulating, interactive, content-rich classroom experience. It has become possible in the present day to create a "virtual" university without walls where the only requirement is reliable internet access and a computer with a webcam and microphone. It is just such a university for teaching the sacred science of Jyotisha that I am creating now.
Systematic and Progressive Learning
What is so often lacking in the way this subject is usually absorbed today is a systematic approach that starts with establishing a very sold foundation in all the fundamentals and progressively builds upon this. Too often students try to learn more advanced aspects of Jyotisha while they are still deficient in their understanding of the basics. The result is typically an undigested mass of information that cannot be usefully applied. The solution is a thorough grounding in the essential elements of the science which is what the core curriculum of Jyotisha University provides. Students then have a solid basis for incorporating more advanced techniques of interpretation and prediction through a variety of electives.
Course Curriculum
Courses offered within the university are open to any "student at large" regardless of their current level. However, if students wish to be on a certification track they must either progress through the core curriculum or test out of it. This core curriculum parallels that of the Institute of Astrology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi, India, the school found by K.N. Rao and his associates.
Online Curriculum Delivery Model
The core curriculum and electives are delivered through a series of course modules consisting of video instruction, extensive written material and live webinars, typically over period of eight weeks. After completing a course module all students have the option of taking an examination to test their understanding and absorption of the course content. Those on a certification track are required to take the exam and must obtain a passing grade in order to qualify.