Course Description

"This text-centered certificate course introduces participants to the traditional scriptural understanding of physical and mental suffering that is attributed to the metaphysical effects of past actions (pūrva-janma karma) and to the distinctive scriptural counseling and self-care methods prescribed for addressing such distress. Daivavyapāśraya Cikitsā represents a profound traditional scriptural approach to spiritual well-being described in ancient Indian heritage literature, alongside rational lifestyle and mental discipline frameworks, preparing scholars directly for advanced religious vocations and pastoral care."
"According to the traditional scriptural worldview, certain conditions are interpreted as consequences of previously accumulated karmic impressions (karmika saṃskāras and vāsanās) that become manifest in the present life. While secular physical modalities address conditions that arise through identifiable physiological causes, and mental discipline practices emphasize regulation of the mind, Daivavyapāśraya Cikitsā addresses a different, non-clinical dimension of suffering: conditions traditionally understood as having a daivika or karmic origin, utilizing spiritual and text-vetted methodologies."
"The certificate course provides a systematic, text-centered study of the principal practices of Daivavyapāśraya Cikitsā recorded in classical Sanskrit shastras, including:

• Mantra — traditional scriptural recitation and sacred sound-based practices;
• Maṅgala-kriyā — auspicious and benedictory spiritual observances;
• Homa and Yajña — fire-based sacred ritual practices;
• Upavāsa — disciplined fasting and bodily purification;
• Niyama — personal discipline and scriptural ethical regulation;
• Prāyaścitta — traditional expiation and atonement for harmful actions;
• Vrata — disciplined spiritual vows and corrective practices;
• Upahāra/Dāna — selfless charity and benevolent giving;
• Svastyayana — benedictory and welfare-oriented traditional observances;
• Praṇipāta — respect and service toward elders, teachers, and spiritually accomplished persons;
• Gamana — purposeful spiritual visits to Gurus, Ācāryas, Āśramas, and Tīrthas;
• Auṣadhi Dhāraṇa — traditional, symbolic wearing of medicinal herbs or roots;
• Maṇi Dhāraṇa — traditional use of gemstones and symbolic color associations;
• and other sacred self-healing practices described in traditional scriptural and Dharmaśāstric literature."**

"A distinctive feature of this certificate course is its absolute emphasis on personal spiritual practice, ethical awareness, and scriptural self-care. The curriculum does not present these practices as historical rituals; it examines their traditional rationale and contemporary psychosocial dimensions, including the roles of spiritual intention, meaning, disciplined behavior, meditation, prayer, and emotional regulation. Participants will learn how to develop an individualized program of appropriate traditional scriptural practices for their own spiritual and psychological well-being."

Learning Outcomes

"By completing this certificate course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the classical concept of Daivavyapāśraya Cikitsā and its traditional place within scriptural frameworks.
• Understand the traditional scriptural relationship between karma, saṃskāra, vāsanā, and present-life suffering.
• Distinguish Daivavyapāśraya methods from purely physical and psychological self-regulation models.
• Describe the major spiritual and scriptural practices associated with traditional Vedic healing.
• Develop appropriate personal practices involving mantra, discipline, fasting, charity, prayer, and ethical conduct.
• Understand the psychological and psychosocial dimensions through which some of these traditional scriptural practices support well-being.
• Integrate appropriate spiritual practices with a healthy lifestyle, moral discipline, and conventional secular care."