Rangjung Yeshe Institute: Nepal - Centre for Buddhist Studies Summer Sanskrit Course

This eight-week course in beginning Sanskrit is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Sanskrit, this course provides a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of the Sanskrit language.  The course is approached from two perspectives, the first of which uses academic pedagogy that privileges memorization of nominal and verbal paradigms as well as general grammatical principles, providing a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of Sanskrit grammar.  The second approach considers the material from the standpoint of traditional Sanskrit pedagogy, integrating spoken Sanskrit and the memorization of “well-spoken” (subhaṣita) verses.  Both sections of this course emphasize memorization and students should plan to devote time to memorizing and reviewing on a daily basis.

The course provides a thorough grounding in the basics of Sanskrit, and as such provides a strong foundation for the reading of Buddhist Sanskrit literature. In the latter part of the course, the reading of a Sanskrit Buddhist text is used as an efficient way to study grammar in actual application.  Intermediate Sanskrit Designed for students with two semesters of prior study, this course increases students' reading proficiency in Sanskrit.  Students prepare translations of assigned Sanskrit texts for discussion during class time.  When necessary, grammar learned in the introductory course is refreshed and reinforced.

The course also helps students develop familiarity with online resources for the translation of Sanskrit.  Students should expect to spend a significant amount of time (approximately four to five hours per day) preparing for class.  During the eight-week course, students read from a variety of Sanskrit genres (epic, drama, philosophy, inspirational tales, etc.).  The choice of texts depends in part upon the interests of the students, and students are encouraged to suggest particular texts they would like to read.

Assessment in the intermediate course is based on preparation, participation, quizzes and an exam. All summer programs are fully accredited by Kathmandu University.