Sanskrit—at once mysterious, rich, and profound—has been the voice of yogic and tantric wisdom for millennia. Each phoneme is imbued with a unique vibrational quality, and the larger system of Sanskrit (grammar, vocabulary, and syntax) is perfectly suited to encode and transmit wisdom via sacred texts and the oral tradition.

Knowledge of Sanskrit sounds and meaning holds a key to unlock the deeper dimensions of yoga wisdom. This course is designed specifically for practitioners of yoga and meditation.

In this online course, you will learn:

• An overview of the Sanskrit language and its place in the practice of yoga and tantra
• Precise pronunciation of the 50 phonemes of Sanskrit and place of articulation for each*
• Core Sanskrit vocabulary: root words, prefixes, and other ‘building blocks’ of the language
• Recitation and meaning of select prayers and passages from key scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra)
• Fundamentals of Sanskrit grammar, including basic sandhi rules and the case system
• Key mantras from Agni Sukta and Shiva Sankalpa Sukta—ancient source wisdom from the Rig Veda and Yajur Veda

This 9-hour course, part 1 of a 3-part series, can be taken as a standalone course or as the first part of the progressive series; either way, it builds a solid foundation for the study and practice of yoga wisdom. All sessions will be live and online, and will also be available to view afterward.

*Note: all passages will be given in English transliteration; knowledge of Devanagari script is not required for this course.

Suggested Reading:

Lighting the Flame of Compassion, by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD