Learn Samskritam Directly: A Unique Approach with Samskrita Bharati
Samskrita Bharati offers a unique way to learn Samskritam through Samskritam, even if you have absolutely no prior knowledge.
We provide structured, in-person classes for adults at our local Samskrita Kendrams (centers). Our programs guide learners through progressive levels to build proficiency in the language.
Why Join a Samskrita Kendram?
A Samskrita Kendram is more than just a classroom—it’s a community hub for the entire family:
- Family Learning: It’s a special place for families to learn Samskritam together.
- Connect and Grow: Kids and families bond with other Samskritam-loving families, growing together in their language journey.
- Build Friendships: It’s where you can form lifelong friendships.
- Nurture the Next Generation: We nurture the next generation of Samskritam speakers.
- Service and Community: It serves as a base for Samskrita Seva and helps you become part of the larger Samskrita KutumbaH.
Our Proven Curriculum
Our Kendrams follow a well-designed curriculum refined through years of experience. Our program is structured to take you from conversation to literature :
- Conversational Skills: We start by focusing on your ability to speak and converse in Samskritam.
- Structural Understanding: We move on to understanding the language’s core principles.
- Advanced Comprehension: We gain the ability to understand complex literary compositions, both classical and modern.
This progression opens up the beautiful world of Samskritam literature, rich with wit, wisdom, and knowledge!
What Our Program Includes
Our lessons are engaging and feature a variety of innovative learning methods:
- Interactive Practice: Copious opportunities to practice the spoken language.
- Fun Elements: Stories and puzzles.
- Wisdom Literature: Subhashitani
- Texts: Selections from classical and modern literature.
Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge of Samskritam is required.
- A working knowledge of at least one Indian language is necessary.
The Goal: After successfully completing all levels, you’ll be able to read and understand original Samskritam texts on your own, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayanam, stotras, and kavyas.
The Power of Speaking in Samskritam
We emphasize the ability to speak or Sambhashana Kaushalam because it is the key to mastering the other three skills that are part of acquiring and mastering any language.
As the picture illustrates, the ability to converse in Samskritam aids in developing listening, reading, and writing skills. When you can speak Samskritam, you can understand spoken and written Samskritam, and you can also express yourself by writing in Samskritam.
Curriculum Levels
Below is a brief overview of a few levels of our curriculum:
Level 1
Description:
- Workshop: 16-20 hours (10 days, 1 weekend, or 2 weekends)
- Study Group: 90 minutes per week for approximately 16-20 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Working knowledge of any Indian language.
- Completion of the Level 1 workshop to attend the Level 1 Study Group meetings.
Main Topics:
- Vocabulary and usages for conversation.
- An interactive and direct approach to learning.
Skills Acquired:
- Ability to conduct simple conversations in Samskritam.
- Ability to understand short stories in Samskritam.
- Ability to understand simple subhāṣitams.
Level 2
Description:
- Workshop: 10-12 hours (5 days or 1 weekend)
- Study Group: 90 minutes per week for approximately 6-8 months
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Level 1 workshop and Level 1 weekly Study Group meetings.
- Completion of the Level 2 workshop.
Main Topics:
- Formalize previously learned concepts such as vibhaktis, kālaḥ, and others.
- Understand viśeṣaṇa-viśeṣya-bhāva.
- Introduction to prayogaH.
Skills Acquired:
- Recognize vibhakti and dhātu forms.
- Read and understand simple stories, ślokas, and subhāṣitams.
- Able to retell short stories.
Level 3
Description:
- Workshop: 10-12 hours (5 days or 1 weekend)
- Study Group: 90 minutes per week for approximately 8-10 months
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Level 2 workshop and Level 2 weekly Study Group meetings.
- Completion of the Level 3 workshop.
Main Topics:
- Further vibhaktis and lakāras.
- Learn more concepts to enhance conversational ability.
Skills Acquired:
- More conversational skills.
- Increased reading skills.
- Ability to write short essays.
- Equipped to write the Pravesha level exam of SB’s Distance Learning Program.
Level 4
Description:
- Workshop: 10-12 hours (5 days or 1 weekend)
- Study Group: 90 minutes per week for approximately 10-12 months
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Level 3 workshop and Level 3 weekly Study Group meetings.
- Completion of the Level 4 workshop.
Main Topics:
- Detailed study of ātmanepadi-dhatus, prayogaH, and other concepts.
- Introduction to sandhi-vibhāgaḥ in texts.
Skills Acquired:
- Enhanced speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Understand ślokas using basic anvaya-kramaḥ.
- Ability to read and understand more complex material in sambhāṣaṇa-sandeśaḥ, etc.
- Equipped to write the Parichaya level exam of SB’s Distance Learning Program.
Level 5
Description:
- Workshop: 10-15 hours (5 days or 1-2 weekends)
- Study Group: 90 minutes per week for approximately 12-18 months
Prerequisites:
- Completion of the Level 4 workshop and Level 4 weekly Study Group meetings.
- Completion of the Level 5 workshop.
Main Topics:
- Study of sandhiḥ, samāsaḥ, anvayakramaḥ, and other advanced concepts.
Skills Acquired:
- Able to read and understand advanced-level articles and stories.
- Equipped to write the śikṣā and kovidaḥ level exams of SB’s Distance Learning Program.
- Able to read and understand Samskrita-kāvyam and texts like rāmāyaṇam, bhagavadgītā, etc.
Questions? Please contact us at praudha@samskritabharatiusa.org.