SIVA - Slavic Institute of Vedic Astrology

What does SIVA mean?
 
     The word SIVA is an abbreviation for Slavic Institute of Vedic Astrology, however, when pronounced in Sanskrit language it reveals the Shiva, the primary Devata (source of Light) of this programme. Shiva means “bala nama” or the one who cannot die, who is immortal, which is the symbolic of eternal soul which is connected to Omnipresent God who is beyond this cycle of creation, maintenance and destruction. The Shiva symbolizes the non-changing and everlasting nature of human soul (ätma). Shiva is the greatest teacher, who is physically embodied in the light of the Sun, who equally and selflessly shine on the every corner of this globe. Shiva in the form of Sambha Shiva is responsible for transmission of knowledge in the Guru- Shishya (Teacher and Student) parampara (tradition). My Jyotisha  Guru Pt. Sanjay Rath comes from the Atri Gotra ruled by the Moon, who is embodied in the form of Shiva as Somanatha, the lord of the Soma, which is the life force existent in every living form of the universe.

Four Year Diploma programme  
 
     This university based four year programme offers learning Vedanga Jyotisha at the deepest and the most comprehensive level. This course targets Slavic speaking people- Serbian, Slovenian, Croatian, Macedonian, Russian, Czech, Slovak, Polish etc. In the beginning, the course will take place only in Serbian language, while in 2008, the course will be open and accessible in Russian language.Knowledge of the course is offered in a structured manner, and such knowledge was passed within family lineages for more than 600 years, without being exposed to non- family members. This course will offer spiritual background in Vedic knowledge to all spiritually oriented people, with or without any background in the Vedas. The knowledge of Jyotisha when taught and learnt at this profound level will not only reveal the knowledge of the mind, body and surrounding of a person, but what is more important it goes deep into the level of the soul, which is the real essence of human existence. With such knowledge, you will be able to go deep into understanding of your own destiny, previous karmas, various phases and cycles in your life, and the way as how to alleviate suffering, and promote happiness and knowledge by learning various tools and remedial measures as a part of spiritual sadhana (practice).   

What is Jyotisha? 
 
     Jyotisha comes from the words Jyoti (light) and Isha (to seek light, Ishwara). It represents one of the names of the Sun God-Surya Devata, who is the main giver of Light and Life. When the light falls on any object, it reveals the form and structure of the object. In the same way, the inner light represented by a Jyotish, reveals the inner «eyes» which help us see the cause, path and the goal of an individual life. 
 
     Samvatsara is the name of the Solar Year, and it also can be understood as an Astrologer, who himself represents the Sun God.
   
     In Mantra Shastra (manas-mind, trai-to protect), Sun Bija (syllable) is «Ra». It is known as Agni bija, and it has to lift the human energy up towards God.
   
     In Mythology, the Sun is portrayed as driving the chariot which are pulled by the 7 horses. These 7 horses are actually the seven rays of the Sun, which is the spectrum of the seven colours, which are the reflection of the pure white light - the light of the Soul.
 
     The number seven is of utmost importance. There are seven grahas, seven rasas (tastes), seven spiritual and seven material worlds. There are seven sisters and seven tounges of the Agni or God of Fire.
  
     On the practical level, through the birth chart and other tools, one can identify the state of the soul, mind and body of a person, determine the cycles of good/bad luck, pinpoint exact events, and advice remedial measures which will transform the cycle of karma into a more evolutinary manner.