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
Tuesdays & Thursdays
October 1, 2024 - April 24, 2025*
9-10:30am Pacific (on Zoom)
This course is designed to support deeper engagement with Buddhist texts and literature in Sanskrit. Over twenty-four weeks (two terms of twelve weeks), 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.
*There will be a short term break from January 9th-17th, 2025, and class will not meet on the following dates: November 26 & 28, December 24 & 26, March 18-27.
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 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.
About the instructor: Dr. Ralph H. Craig III is an interdisciplinary scholar of religion, whose research focuses on South Asian Buddhism, drawing on primary sources in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese, and American Buddhism. He received his B.A. in Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University and his Ph.D. in Religious Studies at Stanford University. He has studied Sanskrit independently, in traditional contexts in India, and in academic settings. He has taught Sanskrit both privately and to graduate students. His pedagogical approach combines the flexibility that comes from having studied independently; an emphasis on recitation, the hallmark of traditional approaches to Sanskrit; and, the methodical progression that characterizes the academic study of Sanskrit. He is currently working on a monograph on dharmabhāṇakas (“preachers of the dharma”) in Mahāyāna Buddhist sūtras.
Any questions about the course schedule and content should be directed to Dr. Ralph H. Craig III (ralph.h.craig@gmail.com).
Reading Sanskrit Buddhist Texts
Intermediate Level
In this course students will have the opportunity to review and consolidate their knowledge of Sanskrit grammar through guided readings of Sanskrit Buddhist texts. (This course is appropriate for students who have completed MRC’s Classical Sanskrit for Students of Buddhism or another first year Sanskrit course.
This course will not be offered in the 2024-2025 academic year.
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.
