LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
For Dharma Students
MRC’s online language courses support deeper engagement with Buddhist literature and philosophy. First year courses in Sanskrit and Tibetan provide a foundation in native linguistic theory, grammar, and vocabulary with chanting and reading of simple Buddhist texts. Second year reading courses provide an opportunity to consolidate this knowledge while reading a variety of genres.
Classical Sanskrit for Students of Buddhism
Mondays & Wednesdays
January 5, 2026 - June 10, 2026*
7-8:30am Pacific (on Zoom)
This course is designed to support deeper engagement with Buddhist texts and literature in Sanskrit. Over 48 classes, students will gain a solid foundation in Sanskrit grammar and begin reading simple Buddhist texts. Students who complete the course successfully will have the skills to join a second year university course. Please note that class enrollment is limited to 16 students to ensure individual attention and time for questions.
*A couple of make-up/additional classes will be offered at a time that works for most students to accommodate the full curriculum.
What is different about this Sanskrit course? This course differs from most introductory Sanskrit courses in that it: 1) emphasizes gradual assimilation of grammar through recitation; 2) draws vocabulary and grammatical examples primarily from Buddhist texts (such the Heart Sūtra and Dharmasaṅgraha) and stories (such as jātakas); and 3) provides an introduction to native Sanskrit grammatical concepts (instead of concepts from Latin/Greek), which are essential for the deeper study of Buddhist texts and commentaries.
The course materials (textbook and video recordings for the recitation) have been developed by Professor Dr. Mattia Salvini (International Buddhist College, Thailand).
Structure of the course: Class sessions will be devoted to the introduction of new grammatical structures, review of homework, and group recitation. Weekly homework will consist of recitation (15-30 minutes per day) and short written assignments (about 3-4 hours per week).
Who is this class for?: This class is designed for students interested in deeper engagement with Buddhism through the study of primary sources in Sanskrit. While there are no grades or exams, diligence in recitation and written homework and attending live class sessions [3 hours per week] is critical for successful completion of the course. However, recordings of the class will be made available in case a student needs to miss a session or would like to review it.
Tuition for the course is $900. Payment plans and a limited number scholarships are available. Enroll today with the button below, or, if you have any questions about tuition, payment, or scholarships please write programs@mangalamresearch.org. Any questions about the course schedule and content should be directed to Instructor Samiksha Meshram (samikshameshram296@gmail.com)
About the instructor: Samiksha Meshram received a B.A. in Buddhist Studies and Ambedkar Thought from Nagpur University, India. She received her M.A. in Buddhist Studies from International Buddhist College (IBC), Thailand, where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies. Her doctoral research focuses on the ninth chapter of Yaśomitra’s Sputārthā Abhidharmakośavyākhyā, a Sanskrit sub-commentary on Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakośabhāṣya, which she is translating into English. Her interests include Buddhist philosophy, Abhidharma traditions, and Indian philosophical systems. She enjoys studying and teaching Sanskrit and Buddhist philosophical and Abhidharmic texts.
She has taught Mahāyāna Buddhism at the undergraduate level at IBC, has been teaching an intermediate summer Sanskrit course at Ranjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) in Nepal, and continues to teach Sanskrit online. She has also taught Sanskrit and delivered lectures on Buddhism in various parts of Malaysia.
Donate to our Scholarship Program
Help Dharma students learn the language skills to read Dharma texts in their original language.
Our wish is to offer Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit language instruction to anyone with the desire and commitment to learn, regardless of their financial circumstances. Help us keep our courses accessible by donating to offset the costs of offering such programs free of charge to the participants.
