SANSKRIT

SANSKRIT IS RICH

Sanskrit is 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.

We offer study mornings each term, usually including a beginners and an advanced stream. To access information about our SANSKRIT EVENTS, please visit our WHAT'S ON page.

For information about SANSKRIT COURSES, please click on the tabs below.

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 COURSES

The following courses are on offer in Term 1, 2026. Please click on the course name for more information and to register.

AN INTRODUCTORY COURSE IN SANSKRIT: CITY OF THE GODS

The Sanskrit faculty is delighted to announce a new Sanskrit course for beginners.

The main focus will be chanting, learning the alphabet, and reading and writing simple words and sentences. This beautiful, powerful and transformative language is the language of the ancient Vedas. It speaks to the essence of who we are and facilitates our understanding and appreciation of all that we learn in our Philosophy groups.

If you are intrigued in any way by Sanskrit, this is the ideal place to begin!

SANSKRIT - THE STORIES OF KRISHNA

A systematic one year course, based on the Sanskrit textbooks,
“The Stories of Krishna, Parts 1 and 2” by Warwick and Elena Jessup, will commence at the beginning of Term 1, 2026.

The course is offered to Middle and Senior School students who wish to revitalize and extend their knowledge of Sanskrit.

During the course you will learn about Sanskrit grammar and how it works in a practical sense, and will gain the ability to translate Krishna stories from Sanskrit into English. This will enhance your skills in understanding the Sanskrit of any śruti you are reflecting on.

This course assumes knowledge of the Sanskrit alphabet and will require some weekly private study.

VEDIC STUDY (ONLINE)
Register by contacting Catherine Lennox on 0407 747 742.

‘the Vedas need to be nurtured and preserved’ H.H. 2019/2.7

A well-established Sanskrit group has embarked on a long-term study of the Atharva Veda starting with the Praśna Upanișad.

When: Fridays from February 13, 8:45am to 10:00am AEDT
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free of charge
For: Current students in the school.
Pre-requisite: Ability to use the Sanskrit-English dictionary and “A Practical Aid for the Study of Sanskrit Dhātus ”

SANSKRIT

SANSKRIT IS RICH

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