Learning Sanskrit the easier way

CHENNAI, NOV. 13. Even as God cannot be seen in flesh and blood directly by ordinary human beings but His presence can be experienced through spiritual exercises and by worshipping the consecrated idols installed in divine centres, the Sanskrit language that has been presented to the people in an easier form in each of the many regions of this country can be appreciated by all. Contrary to the belief that it is tough to learn, Sanskrit, adapted to each State and given in a simplified form, can be studied by anyone without much effort. Like God, Sanskrit too spreads In ancient days, sages assembled at Naimisaranyam, sat together and discussed the various texts in Sanskrit and dug out the hidden values. Later the morals, messages and guidelines embedded therein were made available to laymen by scholars through poems, dramas and other modes of popular works. Sanskrit was then made easy in each local language like Malayalam. Even today we can find several terms from Sanskrit being freely used in conversation by people of various States. It was being patronised by kings and administrators. Even till recently, the ruler of Cochin, who was a scholar in Sanskrit having mastered different branches such as its grammar, used to organise seminars (vidwat sadas) inviting pundits to discuss important topics, giving them an opportunity to present their interpretation and commentaries. What is stored in the original utterances in Vedas, Upanishads, Vyakaranam and other super-special references were gifted to people through epics, puranas and other glorious texts. Ultimately, the moral law, the rules of righteousness and codes of conduct came to be placed before people. In each State, the language was suitably simplified.

Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swami, Kanchi Sankaracharya, in an address, compared the study of Sanskrit as is available (adapted to local needs) to that of a student equipping himself with the minimum qualification to practise general medicine and then getting specialised in a particular branch. Once learning the language, one can get himself trained, mastering a branch like drama, poem and grammar. Stories with morals in simple Sanskrit and selected verses containing instructions for noble conduct and graded lessons will help popularise the language which was once spoken in India. Sanskrit has been uniting our nation over several centuries and has thus served as an integrating force. Works in this language form a common heritage and bedrock of the Hindu culture. Its inherent strength has enabled it to survive and has provided the base for the development of literary languages.

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