SANSKRIT COURSE
THE SANSKRIT LANGUAGE
The Sanskrit language is referred to as the ‘Divine Language’ and the word itself means ‘perfectly constructed’. The sounds of this unique language are beautiful, clear and simple and have a stilling and purifying effect on the heart and mind. Listening to verses, prayers and sutras in Sanskrit is found to be uplifting and beneficial.
Sanskrit is full of beauty: beauty of sound, structure, script in its poetry and prose. Study of its grammar brings order to the mind and clarifies thought. Its purpose is not just a mode of human communication but also a medium to bring a much greater and broader understanding of oneself and the universe.
WHY STUDY SANSKRIT
Sanskrit stands at the root of many eastern and western languages, including English and most other European languages, classical and modern. Its study illuminates their grammar and etymology. Innumerable English words can be shown to derive from forms still extant in Sanskrit.
Sanskrit literature embodies a rich and beautiful tapestry of the human psyche and introduces the reader to vast epics, profound scriptures, subtle philosophy, mythology and exquisite poetry.
In this era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, it can be a valuable tool to assess and look afresh at society.
THE COURSE
The three year (nine term) Sanskrit course developed by the School requires no previous knowledge.
Since 2004 students from around the world have found it to be a well-paced, stimulating and enjoyable course which has enhanced and facilitated their study of philosophy. As well as providing participants with fundamental skills and knowledge, it establishes an excellent platform for those who wish to continue the study of Sanskrit in greater depth.
TOPICS
The Sanskrit 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.
ONLINE
The course is conducted by a dedicated tutor and during each session you'll have the opportunity to interact with the tutor as well as your fellow students. The 10 week course format is online, live and interactive. Each session 90 minutes in duration.
The cost of the course is $100 per term.
If you are currently enrolled in a Philosophy course in the school, a special rate of $50 applies.
‘The Sanskrit language is there, pure and clean, unhampered or distorted by anyone; and it can mirror the laws of the universe to anyone.
This is the good companion, the good guide and the great friend. Journey with it and then the Veda (knowledge) is simple and sure.’
- Srī Śāntananda Sarasvatī -
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).
‘THE LANGUAGE HAS BEEN GIVEN AND ALL LAWS ARE HELD IN GRAMMAR.
One has to learn the grammar as it is, then the laws which regulate measures creating certain events or effects will be obviously known to you.’
SANSKRIT STUDY DAY
A Sanskrit study day is held once a term and is open to all members of the school. It consists of the sounding of the Sanskrit alphabet, followed by some simple prayers. There is also calligraphy and the study of a verse from either the Bhagavad Gita or one of the major Upanisads. No previous knowledge of the language is required.
SANSKRIT – NINE TERM 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 Sanskrit 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 fill in the contact form below.
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.
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.”
COURSES AND EVENTS
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