Testimonials

  • I have known both Shanta and Indira for twenty years. I was a graduate student studying Sanskrit when I met them in San Francisco and now teach Sanskrit language...

    Deven M. Patel
    Professor of Sanskrit, University of Pennsylvania

  • Indira and Shanta create a rich and immersive experience when they teach. They are able to distill the diverse elements of Sanskrit grammar into practical and easy-to-learn steps that will inspire you and guide you on the path of this beautiful language. Their classes have a transformative effect that is not only purifying, but will also deepen your connection to the profound wisdom of Sanskrit literature. I highly recommend their classes and workshops.

    David Geer
    Author of Essential Sanskrit Grammar, The Essence of the Yoga Sutras

  • Shanta not only teaches with ease, but ease is inherent to his lesson.  He doesn’t impose himself.  Sanskrit soothes with the beauty of its form and content.  The position of the teacher here is not one of a distant authority, but someone who has walked further down a trail and is not afraid of the woods.  Or like a friend sitting by the side of the pool who invites us to sit near.  He knows how to relax.  There’s an ease to the lesson and there’s yoga there in that gentle steadiness.

    Andrea B.

  • Shanta and Indira are truly the best! Their approach to teaching Sanskrit is designed to give the fullest experience of Sanskrit possible, guiding the student thoughtfully and intelligently into the language both intellectually and energetically...

    Melissa (Manisha) Townsend
    Author, Artist, Psychic

  • I started studying Sanskrit with Shanta from the East-West Sanskrit Institute at Mount Madonna College of Ayurveda. Shanta not only taught us how to read and write devanāgarī, but, most importantly, conveyed the special power Sanskrit language has through its vibrational nature. After the Ayurveda program was complete, I wanted to continue my Sanskrit study, and signed up for 1:1 classes with Shanta. We worked on grammar, pronunciation, verse translation, chanting, and even writing stories in Sanskrit. I absolutely enjoyed every class and every homework assignment. In addition, I attended several chanting and grammar workshops by Indira, which were opportunities to see the bigger picture, meet Sanskrit scholars and advanced students and get lots of inspiration. Studying with Shanta and Indira for more than 3 years is a profound and transformational experience. Their passion for Sanskrit is contagious. I became a true believer that Sanskrit re-wires a person's brain. I am very thankful to Indira and Shanta for the inspiration and for showing me the direction in which I can deepen my study of Yoga and Ayurveda.

    Vika K.

  •  After a gap of over 30 years I had a desire to go back to my roots and take up Sanskrit again . I grew up in North India , studied Sanskrit for 3 years in High school and grew up in a household in which reciting of mantras from scripture  in Sanskrit was a daily practice . Even with this background , it wasn’t until I ran into Shanta that I understood the essence of this language and the power of chanting. Shanta often says “ Sanskrit will learn you “ . His approach to teaching is analytical and yet simplified to experience spiritual and meditative dimensions. My two adult children, who unlike me had no previous exposure, also joined in weekly Sanskrit lessons with Shanta . To my amazement they also enjoyed the lessons and caught up pretty fast . Shanta has a way of connecting and customizing to his audience. He is gentle, kind and intuitive. We also had the opportunity to listen to beautiful chanting by Indira. Both of them have had such rich experiences and are dedicated to making a contribution and a positive impact I could not have imagined that I will come to know these two knowledgeable souls millions of miles away from home who will help me to get connected to my roots and understand the meaning of verses that I had memorized in my childhood. Thank you Shanta and Indira  for being part of our lives .

    Rashmi S.

  • I feel blessed to count Indira & Shanta as my teachers! I love their hands-on teaching style: joyful, wise, warm. Sanskrit flows in their veins: living, breathing, alive! They are true messengers/embassadors of all things Sanskrit, so relevant in this day & age. Their pandemic online chanting classes were a life-line for many of us - bringing inspiration, hope and learning. Following parampara-tradition, we are grateful to receive their generous teachings - based on a life-long practice of meditation and deeply-rooted knowledge of Sanskrit Literature, Sanskrit Grammar, Panini, Metrics, Chanting,etc....

    Anne Vial/ Barcelona, Spain 

  • Shanta & Indira have been teaching the Sanskrit language online for five years. They have taken their years of training with our beloved Guru Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati & have incorporated his teaching style to create a comprehensive Sanskrit coursework designed for beginning, intermediate & advanced study. Using the concept of chanting Sanskrit to achieve personal & planetary healing through sound vibration, a student of Shanta & Indira can experience that healing as well as make advances in understanding  Sanskrit grammar & meaning. 

    Mālā Devi, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
    Student of Guruji from the 1980s at San Francisco.