Have you ever been captivated by the idea of unlocking the wisdom held within ancient texts? For years, I had been intrigued by those who could effortlessly read Samskritam scriptures, much like many of us read books in English. About eighteen months ago, a serendipitous encounter led me to the Hindu University of America (HUA), and it marked the beginning of my own enriching journey to Learn Samskritam.
Initially, I enrolled in a few courses at HUA, spread across two quarters. Then came the introduction of the Certificate program in Samskritam studies – it felt like a clear sign from the universe. The unexpected pause of the Covid era turned into a blessing in disguise, gifting me with precious time that I could dedicate to coursework. The online format allowed me to immerse myself in these studies from the comfort of my home. Suddenly, the opportunity to learn Samskritam felt not just available, but perfectly aligned with my path. Previously, I hadn’t considered it something “for me,” but now, it resonated deeply. That was a year ago. Four quarters into this adventure, and I am thoroughly enjoying every step of the way.
Rama Koneru – My Samskritam Journey
Overcoming Initial Hesitations and Embracing the Samskritam Language
Like many, I had initial hesitations. One major concern lingered in my mind: “At 50 years old, am I truly capable of learning a new language?” It’s a question many adults contemplating language acquisition might ask themselves. However, my worries were unfounded. Samskritam possesses a unique quality – it has a remarkable way of staying with you, almost as if it resonates within your very being, even when you are not actively studying. I often find myself spontaneously mumbling Samskritam phrases while engaged in daily chores, a testament to its immersive nature. It feels as though I am living and breathing the language as I learn it. Concepts from class begin to surface in my awareness even during my chants – the vachana, purusha, lakara (plurality, person, tense) of verbs, the vibhakti (declensions) of nouns, avyayani (indeclinable words), and even the sandhis (phonetic combinations) we are now beginning to explore.
The Joy of Immersive Learning and Supportive Community
Let me be upfront: learning Samskritam requires dedication and effort. It’s not a passive endeavor. However, the presence of truly exceptional teachers, like those at HUA, makes an immeasurable difference. My fellow students have also been instrumental in my positive experience. Each of them has chosen to learn Samskritam, bringing a high level of motivation and shared enthusiasm to the learning environment. There’s a beautiful Samskritam saying that perfectly encapsulates this:
आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया । पादं सब्रह्मचारिभ्यः पादं कालक्रमेण च ॥
This translates to: “A quarter of knowledge is acquired from the teacher, a quarter by the student’s own intelligence, a quarter from co-students, and the last quarter comes with time (through practice and consistent effort).” This wise saying proved incredibly helpful during moments of impatience, especially when grappling with vibhakti declensions in the initial quarters. It eased the feeling of being overwhelmed or inadequate, fostering self-acceptance and patience by reminding me that everyone in the class was navigating the same learning curve.
Unveiling the Wisdom of Subhashitas and Ancient Texts
One of the most enriching aspects of the Samskritam classes are the subhāṣitam – succinct, eloquent sayings brimming with wisdom, woven throughout the course. Among my favorites are:
आकाशात् पतितं तोयं यथा गच्छति सागरम् । सर्वदेवनमस्कारः केशवं प्रति गच्छति ॥
“Just as all the water that falls from the sky ultimately finds its way into the ocean, so too, salutations offered to all Gods, reach Sriman Narayana.” This subhāṣitam evokes a profound sense of Oneness and expansive interconnectedness.
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् । उदार चरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
“The thought that ‘this is mine’ and ‘that is somebody else’s’ only occurs to those with a narrow-minded outlook. For the large-hearted, however, the entire world is One family.” This saying beautifully encapsulates a global perspective of unity and compassion.
सदयं हृदयं यस्य भाषितं सत्यभूषितम् । कायः परहिते यस्य कलिस्तस्य करोति किम् ॥
“One whose heart is filled with compassion, speech is adorned with truth, and whose being is for the benefit of others – what can Kali (the age of strife) possibly do to him?!” This powerful verse highlights the strength and resilience that compassion, truth, and selfless service bring.
We are also introduced to stotras (hymns) as a way to understand samāsā (compound words). The stotras themselves are inherently beautiful, but their beauty deepens exponentially when their meanings are understood in the right context. Some of the descriptive words used in these hymns, like तप्तकाञ्चनसन्निभम् – “like molten gold,” or अगजाननपद्मार्कम् – “the Sun that brightens the lotus-face of the daughter of the mountain,” evoke a sense of wonder. They make me contemplate whether the composers of these hymns truly experienced the divine in the way they described, for such eloquent and evocative language seems to spring from genuine experience.
Connecting with Culture and Philosophy Through Samskritam
Through learning Samskritam, I am forging a deeper connection with our culture, our samskriti. Whether through the snippets of wisdom in sutras, stotras, subhaśitas, or the captivating stories of historical figures, freedom fighters, deities, festivals, and epics, or even through the very structure of the language itself, everything points back to the magnificent heritage of Hindu culture.
It’s fascinating to note that the preferred voice in Samskritam is the passive voice. This implies that an action is performed by or through me, but I am not necessarily the primary doer. This linguistic preference resonates deeply with the Hindu philosophy of being a channel for action, relinquishing ego, and detaching from the fruits of actions, recognizing that all actions are ultimately driven by a higher power, and outcomes are not solely within our control. While in English one might say “I read the book” (अहं पुस्तकं पठामि), in Samskritam, “the book is read by me” (मया पुस्तकं पठ्यते) is often preferred. Interestingly, अहम् (aham) also signifies the Ego, which is subtly omitted in the karmaṇiprayoga or passive voice construction.
Engaging and Interactive Classes at HUA
The classes themselves are far from being dry lectures. They are fun, light-hearted, lively, and highly interactive. To enhance our reading practice, we delve into enjoyable stories from the Panchatantra or the Sambhashana Sandesha, a Samskritam magazine. Everyone is given the opportunity to read aloud, should they choose. We are also encouraged to converse in Samskritam, though it remains optional. After four quarters, I still find speaking impromptu in Samskritam a bit daunting. Sentences formulate in my mind, but when it comes to verbalizing them, hesitation creeps in, despite knowing that corrections will be offered with utmost gentleness. I deeply admire the incredible patience of my teachers. Mistakes are sometimes repeated, yet they patiently reiterate the corrections. Many other students, however, speak with remarkable confidence.
In just the second quarter, we had an exciting opportunity to collaboratively create and perform a short Samskritam skit in class. I thoroughly enjoyed this project. Participation was optional, but I eagerly volunteered to be the first to perform, just four days after the announcement. Constructing sentences in the privacy of my own thoughts and home felt relatively easy, and I managed reasonably well. Mistakes were made, of course, but we were like toddlers taking our first independent steps in the world of Samskritam, and we were not reprimanded for stumbling. I experienced a sense of accomplishment and gained a measure of confidence that I could indeed navigate this long and rewarding journey of learning Samskritam.
Each class is packed with learning, and keeping pace necessitates staying organized and dedicating time to reading, rereading, practicing writing, listening, and all the essential elements of language acquisition. This is why I am constantly amazed by my fellow students, as well as my teacher, who, despite juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities, dedicate time to Samskritam classes! I truly admire their commitment and passion.
Progressing to Shastras and Advanced Studies
In the third and fourth quarters, we have been introduced to our Shastras in Samskritam – the nectar of the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatam, Yoga-Shastras, Ayurveda-parichaya, Mukundamala (by Kulasekhara Alwar), and more. It is incredibly exciting to learn snippets from these profound texts. As I listen to them being explained, I am immersed in the deepest layers of spirituality that India offers.
Remarkably, after just four quarters, we are now prepared to take the entrance exam for a Master’s program in Samskritam! It will undoubtedly be challenging, but certainly attainable. Several students are indeed moving in that direction. We are now exposed to Samskritam news, articles, and talks, and recently, we have a teacher who conducts classes entirely in Samskritam. I am pleasantly surprised to find that I can actually understand everything that is being conveyed. The shastras I mentioned earlier are also taught exclusively in Samskritam. The explanations are delivered slowly and clearly, ensuring comprehension. I deeply appreciate the thoughtful course planning and the gradual and well-structured way we are introduced to the various facets of the language.
The Inspiring Figure Behind Samskritam Revival: Chamu Krishna Sastry
I also learned about a humble yet extraordinary individual named Chamu Krishna Sastry, an Indian educationist who spearheaded a renewed movement for the revival and popularization of Samskritam. His motivation is truly inspiring. He, along with a few dedicated individuals, founded Samskrita Bharati in 1981. He championed the approach of “teaching Samskritam through Samskritam,” advocating for the use of simple Samskritam to build confidence and interest. He pioneered teaching Samskritam through spoken language, rather than initially focusing on grammar, which can often be intimidating.
This method mirrors how babies naturally learn languages, making the process more accessible and easier. He encourages innovative and creative teaching methods, and actively develops new vocabulary to keep pace with modern science and technology. He experimented with concepts like “Samskritam homes,” where families are encouraged to converse solely in Samskritam throughout the day. He organizes workshops, book fairs, and facilitates the translation of books from numerous languages into Samskritam. Through his tireless efforts, Samskrita Bharati has become immensely popular across India and has expanded to centers in thirteen other countries, supported by thousands of volunteers and teachers.
He aptly states, “Until now, Sanskrit has primarily been viewed from a spiritual or religious perspective; it is high time Sanskrit is approached from a scientific viewpoint as well.” I highly recommend listening to one of his talks in Samskritam. His speeches are truly inspiring, and if you have an Indian mother tongue, you will likely understand almost every word he says.
It is through collaboration with this esteemed and noble organization, Samskrita Bharati, that HUA has been able to attract and secure the best teachers.
The HUA course textbooks, designed by Samskrita Bharati, align perfectly with Samskrita Bharati’s educational goals. They are visually appealing, informative, and presented in a light and easily digestible manner, while still conveying profound concepts of grammar and sentence structure in simple terms. They emphasize learning methodologies that mirror how children acquire language, using daily activities and familiar objects as starting points, progressing gradually. I truly appreciate the flow of the course material, enriched with engaging stories, practical exercises, and consistent formatting.
Experiencing Samskritam in Yoga and Daily Life
Even in my Yoga in Samskritam class, my body stills, my breath evens out, and my mind naturally focuses on every single word being spoken, not out of obligation, but out of genuine desire. This is what I truly seek.
I am deeply grateful to HUA and Samskrita Bharati. I feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to connect with myself on a deeper level through learning Samskritam. I am so inspired by the teachers and by the profound knowledge I am gaining that I now aspire to pursue a Master’s degree in Samskritam, and if life allows, to continue on to even higher studies in this beautiful and ancient language.
