This course introduces you to the Sanskrit language and is designed for beginning students with no prior knowledge of Sanskrit. The course provides a thorough grounding in the basics of Sanskrit, including a substantial introduction to Sanskrit grammar (Sanskrit II rounds out that introduction) and serves as a foundation for continuing with more advanced language instruction.   

In this course, you will learn reading, writing, and typing in Sanskrit, and you will begin to translate simple sentences and texts. Grammar comprehension is central to this course, but students will also be introduced to the basic vocabulary of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The course provides an initial foundation for the reading of Buddhist Sanskrit literature.   

The Interactive format gives you access to a moderator, a discussion forum, live question and answer sessions, RYI’s Sanskrit textbook, quizzes, and feedback on homework assignments. The Interactive format is a university-level course and can be taken for academic credit through Kathmandu University (3 credits). Non-credit students can also study in the Interactive format, and have access to all the same features as the for-credit students, without the restriction of taking the course according to RYI’s semester schedule.  Successful students spend approximately 10 hours per week studying and completing assignments. If you prefer a slower pace, please register for the Self-study format of this course or set your own pace as a non-credit, Interactive format student. 

Prerequisites: 

• Familiarity with the Devanāgāri script (you may take our online Sanskrit Alphabet course first, if needed. Click Here) 
• Access to listening to and viewing the audio and video lectures on a computer or hand-held device