I'm interested to learn members' opinions on Vedic Knowledge. Just as Tom's Big TOE is a model of reality, I understand other cultures and practices have their own models. I've been seriously considering attending Maharishi University of Management (http://www.mum.edu/index.html) and pursuing a master's degree in Vedic Science a.k.a. the science of consciousness. Some Vedic principles seem to be intriguing and make sense, however, the stories contained in the Vedas are hard for me to accept--primarily because they seem highly unverifiable and "fairytalish." I don't know if it is the archaic symbolism that makes me suspicious or the "perfection" they claim to have achieved.

I've read rave reviews about Vedic knowledge. I've also read scathing critiques. Please let me know your opinion and whether you think this potential academic pursuit is worthwhile. All recommendations/insights are welcome.

Ben

Love the Vedas .. not so much love for dogmatic organizations.

I've only read the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads. I enjoyed both very much. Learning is a worthwhile pursuit, so it sounds like you are deciding on what level of commitment to make. If you have studied on your own as much as you can, and still want answers, then you'll know what to do.

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I have read most of the Vedic literature, and I have also struggled with much of the symbolism and "fairy-tale" nature of the metaphors within them. However, I am still, forced to recognize the impact that they have had on my awareness, and I cant ignore the fact that much of the information never loses its relevance. In many ways I have been irreversibly changed in some way. I theorize that once our awareness has been expanded, even slightly, it alters our perceptions. I feel the same about much of the "Tao Te Ching", Zen and Buddhist teachings. As I compare these teachings with the teachings associated with the Sufi's, and Jesus, I always seem to find more similarities than differences. And I am forced to wonder at how this ancient wisdom can be so timeless and universal, and somehow still be relevant today.
Tom says something about learning, that learning and awareness are increased exponentially. The more we learn the easier it is to learn. The more awareness we have, the easier it is to expand upon it. With increased awareness, we have an increase in decision space.

I would recommend everyone to read them all

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LOVE is the answer

peace
patrick