Calendar of Events

A truly unique opportunity for those who already have a basic knowledge of Sanskrit to expand their understanding by studying with a master teacher and scholar from India.
Presentation of the texts will include various linguistic aspects, grammar and philosophy.

Required: Acquaintance with the devanāgarī script and a preliminary knowledge of Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar. Beginners may attend informally.

This summer, Prof. Ram Karan Sharma will again offer six courses:

Jul 14-18: Sānkhya Kārikā
Ishvara Krishna's Sānkhya Kārikā represents the fundamental principles of the Sānkhya School of Indian Philosophy. In fact, Sānkhya is the foundation of the philosophy of Yoga and Vedānta. This course will focus on the second half of the work, after a brief review of the material covered previously.

Jul 21-25: Raghuvaṁsha, Canto 5
The great epic poem Raghuvaṁsham is one of the major works of Kalidasa, the most famous of Sanskrit poets. Canto 5 begins by presenting a picture of the generosity of King Raghu, Rama's illustrious ancestor, who had given away his entire property in a sacrifice. When a poor student came seeking his help, the Lord of Wealth himself, Kubera, showered down a vast amount of gold for Raghu's use....

Jul 28-Aug 1: Poetry by R.K. Sharma: Shraddhā
The contemporary Sanskrit poetry selection Shraddhā, which means "Faith," saw the light of day in 2013. The 36th poem, "So'ham Rāmah," is a monologue by Rama, placed in the latter part of his life. In it he expresses his repentance for Sita's banishment. The poem will be presented along with grammatical and metrical explanation as well as relevant commentary.

Aug 4-8: Sanskrit Metrics (Chhandas)
The ancient science of Metrics represents the principle of movement of the Vedas. The course includes explanation of the difference between the mātrika and vārṇika meters. Various classes of vārṇika meters along with a few selected mātrika meters are defined and illustrated, and the element of metrical mathematics is explored. Also included is chanting practice.

Aug 11-15, 18-22: Siddhānta Kaumudī, Prakaraṇas 1 & 2
(Advanced Sanskrit Grammar Course)
The Vaiyākaraṇa Siddhānta Kaumudī by Bhattoji Dikshita rearranges Pāṇini's Sūtras from the application point of view, with special reference to the formation of words and sentences. Out of the six types of Pāṇinian Sūtras, Sanjñā and Paribhāṣhā occupy the most important positions. The Siddhānta Kaumudī begins with Sanjñā Prakaraṇa, dealing with the Pāṇinian definitions, followed by Paribhāṣhā Prakaraṇa, dealing with the most general metarules.

Aug 25-29: Patanjali’s Mahābhāṣhya
(Advanced Sanskrit Grammar Course)
Continuing the study of the Paspashāhnika section of Patanjali's Mahābhāṣhya. This classical text is an introduction to Pāṇini's philosophy of language and linguistic description and includes the objective or purpose of Pāṇinian studies. The relevant material will be commented upon using apt illustrations from Vedic texts.

Also inquire about our Volunteer Program arrangements.