Saṁskṛtam 21

Course on Saṁskṛta Grammar for Vedānta Students
All our scriptures were originally written in Saṁskṛta. Hence,knowledge of Saṁskṛta grammar is necessary whether one is just reciting Viṣṇu-sahasra-nāma, chanting Bhagavad-Gītā, or doing in-depth study of Upaniṣads with Śāṅkara-bhāṣya. Though the relevance and need for learning Saṁskṛta grammar for the students of Vedānta is mainly for understanding of the texts and traditional teachers, an overview of the structure and linguistics, knowledge of some of the technical terms will only enhance the depth of that understanding.
We will follow the book ‘Enjoyable Sanskrit Grammar’, Vol. 1, 2, and 3, by Brahmacharini Medha Michika. As the author mentions in the preface, the book is intended for those studying Sanskrit to understand its usage by the traditional teachers in unfolding the vision of Vedānta. The text, in its three volumes,covers all aspects of the language in necessary and sufficient detail needed for understanding Vedānta teachings. During the course we will learn more about phonetics - pronunciation and sandhis; nouns - kārakas, vibhaktis and subantas; verbs -tiṅanatas and lakāras; and the derivatives - sanādyantas, kṛdantas, taddhitāntas, samāsas and Ekaśeṣa; along with the relevant affixes (pratyayas) and their functionality. Steps for parsing the verses/sentences (anvaya-racanā) will be practiced. Introduction to Pāṇinian system of grammar will be provided as and when necessary and also to help kindle interest in further study of grammar.
Instructor - Jagadeesha Acharya is a student of Saṁskṛta and Vedānta, Taught the course to AVG students and SamskrtaBharati.