Sanskrit

THE LANGUAGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT AND SELF-DISCOVERY

Sanskrit is rich; rich in vocabulary, rich in literature, rich in thoughts and ideas, rich in meanings and values. It is a language for humanity and not merely a means for communication within a society.

Sanskrit is the oldest and the most continually used language in the world. Classical Sanskrit grammar, which was established by the great grammarian, Pāṇini, encompasses the largest literature of any language, and incorporates the sacred literature of three of the world’s major religions. The Vedas (written in the Sanskrit language) are among the world’s oldest written texts.

The precise and extremely well defined structure of Sanskrit, coupled with its antiquity offers a number of areas in linguistics research including Computational Linguistics. Also, Sanskrit distinguishes itself in that it is the only known language which has a built-in scheme for pronunciation, word formation and grammar.

Among the current languages which possess a hoary antiquity like Latin or Greek, Sanskrit is the only language which has retained its pristine purity. It has maintained its structure and vocabulary even today as it was in the past.

Out of all languages, only Sanskrit has the power to say something using the minimum amount of words. According to NASA, Sanskrit is the only unambiguous language in the world meaning it is the only language that is not open to more than one interpretation of something.

Sanskrit is a language of impeccable credentials. Knowledge of Sanskrit is highly respected by the academic community. It often forms a point of interest and admiration when students with Sanskrit qualifications are interviewed for university admission.

Shed all your misconceptions about Sanskrit behind! Start unlocking the key to ancient and future knowledge by learning Sanskrit.

A Repository of Knowledge

It is a myth that most texts written in the Sanskrit language are religious. In fact, there’s actually a lot more non-religious texts written in every subject you can possibly imagine!

The ancient Sanskrit language holds much knowledge about society and the universe. Several subject matters are written in-depth in the language. The importance of learning Sanskrit can be discussed with the amount of knowledge the language has to offer. From botany, biology, grammar to religion and astronomy – the language has texts written in a horde of subjects.

Uniqueness of Sanskrit Grammar

Sanskrit grammar offers a beautifully clear structure as was recognized by Indian grammarians over 2,500 years ago. The script it is written in i.e. “Devanagri” was designed especially for it and allows us to know with great certainty how it was pronounced.

The sound of each of the 36 consonants and the 16 vowels of Sanskrit are fixed and precise since the very beginning. They were never changed, altered, improved or modified. All the words of the Sanskrit language always had the same pronunciation as they have today. There was no ‘sound shift,’ no change in the vowel system, and no addition was ever made in the grammar of the Sanskrit in relation to the formation of the words. The reason is its absolute perfection by its own nature and formation.

Sanskrit is a Scientist’s paradise

Sanskrit, the vocabulary of which is derived from root syllables, is ideal for coining new scientific and technological terms. The need to borrow words or special scientific terms does not arise.

From the very beginning, scientific principles have been hidden in the verses found in the Vedas, Upanishads and the great epics of India. Concepts and principles seen in present day mathematics and astronomy, are all hidden in the compositions and treatises of many early scholars of the country.

Sanskrit as Computer Language:

According to research, Sanskrit is one of the most suitable languages for the computers. It is the natural language in which a message can be sent by the computer in the least number of words. It is considered to be very efficient in making algorithms. In a report given by a NASA scientist, it is said that the USA is creating the 6th and 7th generation Super Computers based on the Sanskrit language. The Project deadlines are 2025 and 2034 for 6th and 7th generation computers respectively.

From Past to Future!

A total of 17 countries including the US have Universities that are dedicated completely to Sanskrit and their sole purpose is research on the subject. There is a separate department in NASA as well to conduct research on the language of Sanskrit. With all that research, Sanskrit might really be the future.

Health Benefits of Learning Sanskrit

The benefits of learning Sanskrit are multiple! Here’s a neat trick -reciting out the Sanskrit alphabet can be beneficial for your health! The way this works is, reciting the Sanskrit alphabet results in you rhythmically using minimal and maximal breath, contraction, and expansion in your breathing efforts. This system is a pranayama practice in itself. It aids in balancing and calming the mind. We bet no other language could do that!

Research suggests that learning of Sanskrit improves brain functioning and help in speech therapy.

Students improve academically; they get better marks in subjects like Mathematics and Science which some people find difficult. It is because Sanskrit increases concentration and enhances memory power. James Junior School in London has made Sanskrit compulsory. Students of this school are among the toppers in various fields and worldwide exams year after year. Some schools in Ireland also have made Sanskrit compulsory.

Sanskrit – A Literature Matchless In Its Wealth

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.

Sanskrit literature offers an expansive view of human nature and its role in creation. There are so many words one encounters within Sanskrit that convey subtly differing meanings of a concept that admits of only one interpretation when studied with other languages. In this era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, it can be a valuable tool to assess and look afresh at society.

Sanskrit literature embodies a comprehensive map of the human makeup: spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. Its philosophical literature presents a clearly structured way of understanding our relationship to the rest of creation and lays out guidelines on how to live life well. Playwrights and poets have skillfully crafted the language to offer timeless insights into the human mind.

The connoisseurs of the Sanskrit language know that it is the language of the heart. Whatever be the emotion one wishes to display, be it devotion, love, affection, fear, threat, anger, compassion, benevolence, admiration, surprise and the like, the most appropriate words of Sanskrit can flow like a gushing stream.

Course Structure :-

• Medium of Instruction :- Hindi & English
• Number of Hours :- 30 hours
• No. of lessons per week :- 04
• Duration of the course :- 3 months
• Course Fees :- Rs 5,000/-

Mode of Evaluation :-

• Written Test :- 50 marks
• Speaking Test :- 30 marks
• Listening Test :- 10 marks
• Reading Test :- 10 marks
• Total :- 100 mark

UNIT – I :- A STUDY OF APPLIED SANSKRIT GRAMMAR (15 hrs)

• Introduction to Alphabets
• Presentation of Alphabet with words
• Syllabic Instant(Knowledge of symbols)
• Words in Sanskrit (Animals, Birds, Foods, Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables,Family members etc.)
• Masculine Words ,Feminine words and Neuter words.
• Singular / Dual / Plural words
• Numerals in different Genders
• Pronouns
• Use of verbs with tenses

UNIT – II :- VOCABULARY (6 hrs)

• All the case – endings in Sanskrit
• Effective Communication in Sanskrit
• Conversation & Telephone

UNIT – III :- COMMUNICATIVE SKILL (5 hrs)

• Translation and Conversation
• Self Introduction
• How to Greet
• Talk about some person

UNIT – IV :- MORAL TEACHINGS IN SANSKRIT (4hrs)

• Stories from Veda , Upanishad and Purans
• Creative writings and Conversation