"The collection of information through education must be utilized by the inner spirit. The purpose of education is to cultivate the inner spirit."
Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
A special feature at Brahmananda Ashram is the direct approach to the ancient teachings through the in-depth study of original Sanskrit texts. Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages in existence and still very much alive today. The Rig-Veda (in Vedic Sanskrit) is widely acknowledged as the oldest written record of mankind, and the vast body of literature in classical Sanskrit encompasses all branches of knowledge and culture--a legacy felt to belong to the entire human race.
The love of Sanskrit here at the Ashram was inspired by founder Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati himself, a recognized master of the language. In his teaching he preeminently used the medium of Sanskrit, emphasizing the chanting and study of mantras, hymns and scriptural texts--especially pertaining to the universal teachings of Yoga-Vedanta--as well as the study of the language itself, as "science of vibration."
Sanskrit Chanting
Sanskrit is the language of mantra. Mantras are meaningful, harmonious words, phrases, verses or portions of scripture helpful for meditation, prayer and spiritual study. With their inherent rhythm and music, they contain a vibrational message difficult to capture through mere reading or translation. The purpose of chanting is to stimulate higher brain centers, to energize the whole body, and to help one feel more deeply the essence of the mantras, which is, ultimately, beyond words and language.
Scriptures
Our scriptural studies focus on the important texts which form the foundation of the science of Yoga and the non-dualistic Vedanta philosophy. Included are the major Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, works by Shankaracharya and various other classical and Vedic sources. They are concerned with truths that are independent of time, place, culture or society, found to be deeply connected to the universal experiences encountered in the process of meditation and Self-analysis.
Sanskrit Language Classes
Instruction in the Sanskrit language is available for resident students and the interested public. Knowledge of Sanskrit grammar, as "science of vibration," gives a genuine understanding of the language and independent access to the meaning of the ancient scriptures. It is taught here through the unique method developed by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, which simultaneously functions as a meditative discipline and an energizing holistic therapy. Classes may include reading and writing of the devanagari script, grammar taught through rhythmical chanting of Sanskrit verb and noun forms, translation and conversational exercises, as well as philosophy/psychology of language.
Introduction to Sanskrit or Beginner's Sanskrit
Daily classes taught through "the science of vibration," and interactive method to learn Sanskrit developed by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati using pronunciation of the Sanskrit alphabet, chanting of Sanskrit word forms, introduction to chanting mantras, as well as grammar, and conversational exercises. When they have completed this class, students will know the entire Sanskrit alphabet, how to pronounce each sound correctly and how to read basic Sanskrit.
Intermediate Sanskrit
This classes offer a unique opportunity for those with a basic knowledge of Sanskrit to expand their proficiency by studying with a master teacher and scholar from India. Classes will include chanting, translation and discussion of selected Sanskrit poetry and philosophical texts. When they have completed this class, students will have increased their Sanskrit vocabulary and knowledge of meter and conversational Sanskrit.
Instructors
Dr. Ram Karan Sharma is President of the International Association of Sanskrit Studies. A world renowned Sanskrit scholar, Dr. Sharma has taught Sanskrit at UC Berkeley and was vice chancellor of K.S.D. Sanskrit University in Darbhanga, India and Sampoornananda University in Varanasi India. He is also an award-winning author of a number of poetry volumes and two novels in Sanskrit, as well as translator of the Charaka Samhita, the ancient text on Ayurveda.
Kiranavali Devi began studying yoga in 1969. She met her guru Shri Brahmananda Saraswati and began studying Sanskrit with him in 1972. She taught hatha yoga and meditation in New York, Florida, and the West Indies before moving to Brahmananda Ashram in 1977. She started teaching Sanskrit in 1993. She holds a BA from New College in San Francisco, a law degree from the University of San Francisco, and continues her study of Sanskrit with Dr. Sharma.
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