About this Course
This course is based on the books ‘Ṛtu Vidya’ and ‘Women & Sabarimala’ by Sinu Joseph. This course uses the framework of women’s menstrual health to revive the Bhāratiya Jñāna Paramparā. In the process of explaining the ancient science behind menstrual practices, this course will introduce you to various Indian knowledge systems such as Ṣaḍ-Darśana, Āyurveda, Tantra, Cakra, Yōg, Āgama Śāstra, Jyotiṣa Śāstra, and several sub-texts from these categories. As a result, the course goes beyond just describing cultural practices and takes a deep dive into explaining the scientific and logical reason behind the origin of these practices and how it impacts our physiology. As explained in this course, the correct understanding of the science behind menstrual practices will help women prevent menstrual difficulties, develop a positive attitude towards menstruation, and learn how to work in sync with nature’s cycles.
One of the Sanskrit words for menstruation is Ṛtu (pronounced Rutu). Vidyā is Hindi for knowledge. The author, Sinu Joseph’s attempt to combine numerous indigenous knowledge systems that offer knowledge on the science of menstruation, which is still relevant today, is called “Ṛtu Vidyā.”
This course is intended for all Indian women who have unresolved questions about menstrual practices, menstrual researchers who will discover a wealth of potential areas for research pertaining to menstrual health, athletes who want to learn about ancient techniques that worked with women’s periods rather than against them, and feminists who believe that cultural practices surrounding menstruation are taboos that should be eliminated.
Important note: This is a self paced course. Here, you can access the videos as per your convenience, from anywhere, any time. No regular live sessions by the instructor will be happening that you have to attend in allotted time and date.
Course Information
Duration: 25 hours
Level: Introductory
Medium: English
Delivery: Online
Contact Details: cis@indusuni.ac.in
What You’ll Learn
① The origin of ancient Indian knowledge systems and their basis, which will provide an introduction to the Ṣaḍ-Darśanas and Āyurveda and how it differs from modern science.
② The science behind celebrating menarche and the need for it.
③ The science behind the menstrual regime, which includes menstrual seclusion, specific dietary recommendations, bathing, cooking and other rules as followed by Hindu women during menstruation, and how it impacts our menstrual health.
④ The impact of sports on menstrual health and how sportswomen can tap into a more profound knowledge which will enable them to improve their performance without having to suffer menstrual and reproductive health issues.
⑤ The influence of the moon, sun and other planets on the menstrual cycle.
⑥ How to recognize the gifts of each week of the monthly menstrual cycle, which can transform your outlook on it.
⑦ The science and reason for menstrual restrictions in religious places, especially Hindu temples, and the impact of breaking those rules.
⑧ Details of the temples of menstruating Goddess – Chengannur Bhagavathy temple in Kerala and Ma Kamakhya temple in Assam.
⑨ The Sabarimala controversy, the science behind the restriction, and how such a temple can affect women’s menstrual health.
What You’ll Get
① Videos of high quality, of around 25 hours, instructed by Sinu Joseph.
② Special guest interactions with subject-matter experts, interviewed by Sinu Joseph.
③ Special insights into the fieldwork of Sinu Joseph through photos and video clips of interaction with rural women, which formed the basis of this work.
④ Reference materials such as online links and books for further study.
⑤ Quizzes which will make you learn faster and more thoroughly.
⑥ Indus University certificate to certify that you have gone through and passed this course.
⑦ Interactive sessions with the instructor from time to time.
⑧ Projects where you can indirectly engage with Sinu Joseph’s endeavours.
Refund Policy: Since these courses are available at subsidised rates, there is no provision for refund once you have enrolled for a course. In case you are not able to attend the course due to any unforeseen circumstances, we can accommodate you in a different course in lieu of the course you originally enrolled for.
Special Bulk Discount: We are offering a special discount for large groups of students from educational institutions. If you would like to avail this discount, kindly send us an application to cis@indusuni.ac.in with the relevant details about your institution.
Course Curriculum
| Part - 1 | |||
| Preparation for the course | 00:00:00 | ||
| Lecture 1: What do we mean by ancient sciences | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.1 An overview of the Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.2 What does Indian Ancient Sciences mean? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.3 Understanding the core of India’s Ancient Sciences | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.4 Decoding Indian Ancient practices through Āyurveda | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.5 Did other nations have similar ancient sciences? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.6 Ancient indigenous science vs. modern science | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.7 The Role of Rural Grandmothers in Preserving India’s Ancient Sciences | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.8 A Glimpse into the Indian Systems of Philosophy | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.9 What is Sāṃkhya Darshana | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.10 A Detailed View of Sāṃkhya Darśana | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.11 Pramāṇas: Proof of knowledge | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.12 What is the Yōg sutra of Patanjali about? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.13 How does the Citta work? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.14 Bahiraṅga Practices: The five steps of Aṣṭāṅga Yōg | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.15 Antaraṅga: The three steps of Aṣṭāṅga Yōg | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.16 What is Nyāya Darśana? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 1.17 What is Vaiśeṣika Darśana? | 00:00:00 | ||
| The Guest Interaction: Chapter 1 | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 1 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 2: Menarche: The need for celebration | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.1 What is rtu kāla saṃskāra (menarche ritual)? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.2 The Practices Associated with Menarche | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.3 Menarche: Through the Lens of Modern Medicine & Native Sciences | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.4 Influence of a Woman’s Attitude on her Experience of Menstruation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.5 Traditional Diet Recommended During Menarche | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.6 The Science Behind the Menarche Diet | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.7 Antioxidants: Menstruating Women’s Best Friends | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.8 What causes Oxidative Stress? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.9 The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Menstrual & Reproductive Health | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.10 How Āyurveda Understands Food? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.11 Food as Therapy in Āyurveda | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.12 Decoding the Finer Nuances of Menstrual Seclusion | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.13 What is Prāṇa? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 2.14 Menstruation: A Route to Experience Prāṇa | 00:00:00 | ||
| The Guest Interaction: Chapter 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 2 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 3: Rajaswala Paricaryā | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 3 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 3 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.1 An Overview of Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.2 Perspective on Menstruation: Rural Women v/s Modern Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.3 The Signs of Healthy Menstruation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.4 Reflection of Āyurveda in Cultural Practices | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.5 Āyurveda & Rajaswala Paricarya | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.6 Menstruation & Sapta dhātu | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.7 What are Tridoṣa? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.8 Menstruation in Vāta Prakṛiti Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.9 Menstruation in Pitta Prakṛiti Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.10 Menstruation in Kapha Prakṛiti Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.11 Study on Rajaswala Paricaryā | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.12. Understanding the Notion of Menstrual Impurity | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.13. What is Āmā? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 3.14. Methods to counter Āmā & Reduce Menstrual Discomfort | 00:00:00 | ||
| The Guest Interaction: Chapter 3 | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 3 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 4: Menstrual Huts of the Gollas: A Case Study | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 4 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 4 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.1 An Overview of the Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.2 Who are the Gollas? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.3 Voice of the Gollas | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.4 Menstrual Seclusion: A Joint Decision by Men & Women of Golla Community | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.5 Menstrual Hut: What Golla Women Need? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.6 Why is a ban not the right answer? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 4.7 A Practice Revealed as a Taboo In India ‘Transforms’ into a New Exotic Discovery in the West | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 4 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 5: Menstruation In Sports Women | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 5 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 5 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.1 An Overview of the Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.2 Menstruation in Vāta Prakṛiti Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.3 Menstruation in Pitta Prakṛiti Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.4 Menstruation in Kapha Prakṛti Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.5 Menstrual Disorders Among Sportswomen | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.6 Injuries Among Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.7 Āyurveda’s Understanding of Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea and Injury | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.8 Dysmenorrhea Among Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.9 Āyurveda’s Understanding of Dysmenorrhea | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.10 Menorrhagia Among Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.11 Ayurveda’s Understanding of Menorrhagia & Anemia | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.12 PCOS Among Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.13 Āyurveda’s Understanding of PCOS | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.14 The Side-Effects of Period Postponing Pills & Hormonal Contraceptives | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.15 The Solutions Native Sciences have to Offer from Ayurveda and Indigenous Martial Arts for Modern Sports Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.16 Preventing Over-Exercising and Building Endurance as per Āyurveda and Kalaripayattu | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.17 Diet for Sports Women as per Āyurveda and Kalaripayattu | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.18 Sports Medicine: Kalaripayattu v/s Modern-day Sports | 00:00:00 | ||
| 5.19 “Menstruation – a hidden advantage for sportswomen” | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 5 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 6: Celestial Influence On Menstrual Cycles | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 6 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 6 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.1 An Overview Of The Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.2 The Celestial Influence On Menstrual Cycles | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.3 Jyotiṣa Śāstra | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.4 Influence of Moon on Menstrual Cycle | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.5 Influence Of Sun: Solstice & Equinox | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.6 The Influence Of Mars On Menstrual Cycles | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.7 The Prediction Of Menstrual Date | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.8 The Plotting Of Menstrual Dates | 00:00:00 | ||
| 6.9 DIY Exercises To Understand This Lecture In Depth | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 6 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 7: Ṛtu cakra and Ṛtu cārya | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 7 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 7 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.1 The Gifts of the Menstrual Cycle | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.2 What Causes Menstruation to Occur? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.3 The Play of Hormones | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.4 Menstrual Cycle from The Perspective of Āyurveda | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.5 Earth’s Fertility Cycle | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.6 Āyurveda on the Play of Seasons | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.7 A Study on Effect of Ṛtu on Bala | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.8 Modern Menstrual Products and Hygiene | 00:00:00 | ||
| 7.9 Menstrual Products Used by Rural Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| The Guest Interaction: Chapter 7 | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 7 | Unlimited | ||
| Part - 2 | |||
| Introduction to Part 2 | 00:00:00 | ||
| Lecture 8 (A): How Do Hindu Temples Impact Menstruation? | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 8 (A) | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 8 (A) | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.1 An Overview of the presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.2 Para Vidya and Apara Vidya | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.3 How do Hindu Treat Women? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.4 Comparison of India’s Treatment of Women with that of Other Nation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.5 Hinduism as Religion | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.6 What is the Idea of God According to Hindus? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.7 The Concept of Reincarnation in Hinduism | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.8 The Concept of Mokṣa | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.9 The Concept of Karma | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.10 Dual Paths of Mokṣa | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.11 How Did Temples Come into Being? | 00:00:00 | ||
| Lecture 8 (B): How Hindu Temples Impact Physiology | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 8 (B) | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 8 (B) | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.12 How did Tantra understand the process of reaching Mokṣa? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.13 Hindu Temples: A Path to Connect with the larger abstraction. | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.14 Types of Temples | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.15 Yogic and Tantric Systems to understand cakras | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.16 Ida & Pingala Nadi from the perspective of modern science | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.17 Types of Temples for Bhukti and Mukti | 00:00:00 | ||
| 8.18 How did we lose the knowledge of rituals at Temples? | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 8 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 9: Sabrimala’s Restriction on Women in the Reproductive Age | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 9 | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 9 | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.1 An Overview of Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.2 Background of Sabarimala Case | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.3 ṣaṭ cakra Temples | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.4 Sabrimala Temple: Its Impact on Women’s Reproductive Health | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.5 The Condition of Women Who Visited Temples During Menstruation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.6 Places in the World Restrict the Entry of Women | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.7 The Influence of High Altitude on Women’s Reproductive Health | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.8 The Impact of High Altitude on Native People | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.9 The Impact of Chanting Particular Mantra | 00:00:00 | ||
| 9.10 Brahmcarya from Indic View | 00:00:00 | ||
| The Guest Interaction: Chapter 9 | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 9 | Unlimited | ||
| Lecture 10: Temples: Chengannur and Kāmākhya | |||
| Welcome to Lecture 10 (A) | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 10 (A) | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.1 Menstruating Devī at The Chengannur Bhagwati Temple | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.2 Chengannur Bhagwati Temple: Liberation From The Reproductive Health Issues | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.3 An Occurrence Of Red Colour In Devī’s Cloth | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.4 Kāmākhya Temple: Significance of Devī’s Menstruation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.5 The Legend Associated with the Kamakhya Temple | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.6 Who is Ma Kamakhya? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.7 Overlapping Of Sinu Joseph’s Periods With Ambubachi Mela | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.8 The Spiritual Significance of Menstruation | 00:00:00 | ||
| Welcome to Lecture 10 (B) | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 10 (B) | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.9 Menstruation: An Outcome Of Indra’s Curse On Women? | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.10 Menstruation: A Route For Bhukti & Mukti | 00:00:00 | ||
| Welcome to Lecture 10 (C) | 00:00:00 | ||
| To Start You on Lecture 10 (C) | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.11 An Overview Of The Presentation | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.12 Menstrual Restrictions In Christianity | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.13 Menstrual Restrictions In Islam | 00:00:00 | ||
| 10.14 Menstrual Practices In The Reformist Religions | 00:00:00 | ||
| RV Quiz 10 | Unlimited | ||
| Concluding Message | 00:00:00 | ||
