SANSKRIT
SANSKRIT IS RICH. RICH IN VOCABULARY, IN LITERATURE, IN THOUGHTS AND IDEAS AND RICH IN MEANINGS AND VALUES.
Sanskrit literature offers an expansive view of human nature and its role in creation. In this era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, it can be a valuable tool to assess and look afresh at society.
Sanskrit stands close to the root of English and most other European languages, classical and modern. Many English words are related to words and word forms that also exist in Sanskrit. Its study illuminates their grammar and etymology.
WHY SANSKRIT
Due to the way in which its grammar was fixed by grammarians like Pāṇini, Sanskrit has one of the most extensive literatures of all languages. It introduces students to vast epics, profound scripture, subtle philosophy, voluminous mythology, exquisite poetry and much else. Study of these works offers a student a wider perspective to enable a better understanding of their own tradition, but also shows them which questions and insights are shared across cultures.
“The Sanscrit language, whatever be its antiquity, is of a wonderful structure; more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either, yet bearing to both of them a stronger affinity, both in the roots of verbs and the forms of grammar, than could possibly have been produced by accident; so strong indeed, that no philologer could examine them all three, without believing them to have sprung from some common source, which, perhaps, no longer exists; there is a similar reason, though not quite so forcible, for supposing that both the Gothic and the Celtic, though blended with a very different idiom, had the same origin with the Sanscrit; and the old Persian might be added to the same family.”
– Sir William Jones (Anglo-Welsh philologist, Orientalist, and jurist).
SANSKRIT STUDY MORNING
A Sanskrit study morning is held once a term online via ZOOM, and is open to all members of the school. There are two streams, one for beginners (Stream 1) and one for those with some experience (Stream 2) in the study.
The next study morning will be in Term 3,
on Sunday November 24 from 9:00am.
SANSKRIT FOR PHILOSOPHERS COURSE
For over thirty years students of the School of Practical Philosophy have studied Sanskrit in order to deepen their understanding of great spiritual works such as the Bhagavad Gītā.
The nine term course developed by the school provides a thorough and systematic grounding in the language, while proceeding in easier steps that an academic course. No previous knowledge of the language is required.
The sessions are structured around four themes:
Spirit ~ an introduction to the spiritual significance of Sanskrit, through discussion and extracts from relevant readings.
Sound ~ accurate and fluent pronunciation, reading and chanting.
Principles ~ exploration of the beautiful grammatical structure of the language.
Practice ~ step-by-step exercises in writing and translation.
This nine-term course is offered periodically, if you are interested in pursuing this type of study please email sanskrit@practicalphilosophy.org.au.
ANNUAL SANSKRIT RESIDENTIAL
The first annual Sanskrit Residential week in Sydney was held over twenty-five years ago. It continues to be held each year and now alternates between the Sydney and Melbourne schools.
These weeks have focused on study of verses from the Gita or Upanisads and occasionally verses from Adi Sankara. Study combined with reflection on the verses has been the main spiritual endeavour. During these weeks together with the study of Panini’s grammar, the practice of simple Sanskrit conversation, chanting, the practice of calligraphy, reading stories from the great Vedic epics and preparation for Sanskrit exams.
The next Australasian Sanskrit Week will be held at St John of God Retreat and Conference Centre, 47 Gloucester Crescent, Shoalwater WA, from January 19 to 25, 2025 (conditions apply). All meditating students of the School with some familiarity with Sanskrit are welcome. Registrations close 30th November 2024.
Fundamental to all this are the words of Sri Santananda Saraswati which have guided the School’s studies in Sanskrit and reflection. Many quotes could be chosen but the following words seem to summarise the importance Sanskrit study:
“If one would try to water the leaves, the tree would not get nourishment. One should try to water the root. So one should first properly understand the beautiful structure of the Sanskrita language and it will help the mind to come closer to understanding. When the light appears the darkness disappears. Similarly, when the study of Sanskrita will be achieved all knowledge of worldly use and also for spiritual use will be purified and one’s life will be simple and good. One would learn much more good about one’s own language in the end.”