Intermediate/Advanced Sanskrit Courses with Prof. Ram Karan Sharma
Mon - Fri 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
1-week Course $150 / 2-week Course $300 / single class $30 Study materials are included.
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 devanagari script and a preliminary knowledge of Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar. Beginners may attend informally.
This summer, Prof. Ram Karan Sharma will offer four courses:
Jul 13-17, Mon-Fri: Kumara Sambhavam, Canto 4
Kumaarasambhavam by the great classical poet Kalidasa deals with the mythological story regarding the birth (sambhava) of Kumara (Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva), incarnated to liberate the Earth from the atrocities of the demon Taraka.
Canto 4 includes the account of Kamadeva (the god of love and passion) being burnt to ashes, followed by his revival - essential for the union of the Supreme Mother Goddess and the Supreme Lord, Shiva.
Jul 20-24, Mon-Fri: Sanskrit Metrics (Chandah)
Metrics (Chandahshaastra) is one of the six components or angas of the Vedic corpus, constituting the very backbone of Vedic mantras. The spiritual healing power of the mantras is said to be enhanced a hundred times if the one chanting them is fully aware of their meters or rhythms. This will also facilitate chanting of classical Sanskrit mantras and hymns (stotras).
About twenty Sanskrit meters will be introduced with detailed explanation and apt illustrations, including chanting practice.
Jul 27-Aug 7, Mon-Fri: Saundarya Lahari, Verses 1-33
Saundaryalaharii is a mystical poetic work ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. As the very title suggests, it depicts the waves (laharis) of beauty (saundarya) of the Supreme Mother Goddess - without whom Lord Shiva is not able even to vibrate.
Aug 10-21, Mon-Fri: Panini's Ashtadhyayi, Ch. 3-5
(Advanced Sanskrit Grammar Course)
Chapters 3 to 5 of the Ashtaadhyaayii by Panini deal with primary and secondary derivative affixes (kridanta and taddhita pratyayas), covering a vast area in Sanskrit linguistics.
Note: Special discount for participants in our educational (ISEWU) courses: 15% off Ashram overnight guest rate.
Or, when contributing 1 hr of work per day: 25% reduction on guest rate.
Inquire about availability of Work-Study arrangements and Sanskrit scholarships.
