Lineage and Teaching Approach

The Sanskrit language has existed for millennia as an oral tradition. Much of the literature was composed in verse or sutra form to facilitate memorization and transmittal. Sanskrit verses are primarily chanted, not spoken. Sanskrit has a very rich tradition of different meters, which we chant in varied melodies, both traditional and new.

Our Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, taught nouns and verbs, as well as mantras, using the powerful medium of chanting. At the East West Sanskrit Institute, we continue this tradition of teaching with chanting.

We use color-coded charts and handouts to facilitate understanding of the elements of grammar. From the beginning, we introduce students to verses, which provide a context for the class material. We encourage thinking in Sanskrit by making basic sentences relevant to daily life.