Purohitya Training Program

 

Sri Matham Educational Institute is now in the process of developing an on-line course for Hindu Priests. Although we are of the Srivaishnava lineage, this course will not have any specific philosophical content or sectarian bias but will focus entirely on Hindu Vaidika Priestcraft. All the principals taught apply to all sects and lineages within the Hindu community and can be applied within any philosophical context.

 

The purpose of this course:

  1. To educate and train new aspirants that are interested in becoming Hindu Priests.
  2. To be a refresher course for currently practicing priests.
  3. To educate  those who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Hindu religion and practice.

Who should subscribe to this course:

  1. Anyone that is interested in the subject matter.
  2. Anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity  or caste.

Course Requirements and pre-qualifications.

  1. A good knowledge of English.
  2. A basic knowledge of Hinduism in general.
  3. A basic knowledge of Sanskrit is an advantage but not essential.
  4. A grounding in philosophy pertaining to one’s personal lineage i.e. Advaita, Dvaita or Visiṣṭhadvaita, Vaiṣṇava, Saiva, Sākta etc.  would be an advantage.
  5. Some prior experience either in a priestly role as an assistant.
  6. A keen desire to study.
  7. Access to skype for workshops.
  8. Having a local mentor who can help with the practicals is also useful.
  9. Access to a local Hindu temple and regular ritual functions is an advantage for observation.

 Format of the Course.

  1. Correspondence on line.
  2. Most of the reading matter will be supplied in PDF document format.
  3. Future conferencing calls via skype will be arranged.
  4. Tests will be open-book type.
  5. Practice sessions will be made available to those living in Australia. Overseas subscribers will need to find a local priest or mentor to assist them in the practicals.

 

Curriculum

 

The following are the subjects that will be covered – not necessarily in the presented order.

 

Part 1 — Vaidikam

  1. Sanskrit — level 1
  2. Saḍ-darśaṇas — introduction to all 6 systems of classical Hindu philosophy with emphasis on Mīmamsa (exegesis) and Vedanta  as well as  Hindu Psychology.
  3. Dharma śāstras — Manu & Apastamba
  4. Kalpa sūtras
  5. Gṛhya sūtras — Āpastamba and Pāraskara
  6. Introductory Astrology — focus on Pancaṅgam and Muhurtam
  7. Vedic chanting

 

Part 2 — Tantrikam

The four parts of Tantra: 

  1. Jñāna pāda — general theory of tantric practice
  2. Kriya Pāda — ritual
  3. Yoga-pāda — spiritual techniques
  4. Carya pāda — temples and iconography.

 

Part 3 — Pauranikam

  1. Popular Puranic Festivals, celebrations and observances and pujas
  2. Garuda Purana with reference to  funeral procedures

 

Topics not convered but recommended for self study: 

  1. The history of India and Hinduism
  2. The spread of Hinduism to South East Asia
  3. Hinduism in a modern world context
  4. Different Sampradayas, their philosophies and customs

 

 

Please register your interest by filling out the form below