đď¸ Sanskrit for Theosophy
đď¸ Sanskrit for Theosophy
- Course Code: SAN 5100
- Florida Course Numbering System: CLA 3932
- Credits: 3
- Level: Graduate
- Program: Master of Theosophy
đ Course Description
This course is a foundational introduction to Sanskrit with a focus on its application in Theosophical study. Emphasis is placed on the key philosophical terms, sacred verses, and linguistic structures found in Hindu scriptures often referenced in Theosophical literature (e.g., the Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras). Students will gain the ability to transliterate, pronounce, and interpret fundamental terms while exploring their metaphysical implications.
đŻ Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Read and write the Sanskrit DevanÄgarÄŤ script and transliterate using IAST.
- Accurately pronounce and chant key Sanskrit terms and verses.
- Understand and analyze important Theosophical terms (e.g., Atman, Karma, Dharma, Prakriti, Brahman).
- Interpret short Sanskrit verses related to Theosophical philosophy.
- Appreciate the philosophical depth and vibrational power of sacred Sanskrit sound.
đď¸ Weekly Topics Breakdown
| Week | Topic | Key Readings & Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Sanskrit: Origins and Relevance in Theosophy | Essence of Sanskrit â V. Raghavan (Intro) |
| 2 | DevanÄgarÄŤ Script and Basic Transliteration (IAST) | Chart and practice sheets |
| 3 | Pronunciation and Sacred Sound: NÄda and Mantra | Audio chants, Yoga of Sound â Russill Paul (excerpts) |
| 4 | Nouns and Gender: Building Theosophical Vocabulary I | Basic grammatical rules, glossary building |
| 5 | Key Theosophical Terms I: Ätman, Brahman, Karma, Dharma | The Key to Theosophy (Blavatsky references) |
| 6 | Introduction to Verbs and Simple Sentences | Verb conjugations: present tense |
| 7 | Key Theosophical Terms II: Prakriti, MÄyÄ, Buddhi, Manas | Selections from Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ |
| 8 | Verse Reading I: Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ Chapter 2 | Sanskrit text + commentary |
| 9 | Verse Reading II: ÄŞĹa Upanishad and the Self | Reading + reflection paper |
| 10 | Chanting and Recitation: Vedic Meter and Intonation | OmĚ practice, Gayatri Mantra |
| 11 | The Yoga Sutras of PataĂąjali: Terms and Concepts | Sutras 1.1â1.4 in Sanskrit and translation |
| 12 | Philosophical Dialogue: The Three Gunas, Purusha vs. Prakriti | Readings from SÄáš khya KÄrikÄ |
| 13 | Sanskrit in Theosophical Texts: Analysis of Key Passages | Blavatskyâs usage and comparative context |
| 14 | Final Presentations and Sanskrit Verse Interpretation | Student-led recitation and exposition |
𧞠Assessments
- Sanskrit Vocabulary Quizzes (20%) â Weekly terminology and grammar
- Chanting & Pronunciation Practicum (20%) â Recitation of mantras and verses
- Midterm Translation Exercise (20%) â Selected verse with explanation
- Final Project (30%) â Analysis and presentation of a Sanskrit verse or term in Theosophical context
- Participation (10%) â Class interaction, practice sessions, and reflection
đ Required Texts
- Devavanipravesika: An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language â Robert P. Goldman & Sally Sutherland Goldman
- Essence of Sanskrit Literature â V. Raghavan
- The Key to Theosophy â H.P. Blavatsky (for reference terms)
- Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ â Sanskrit-English edition (recommended: Eknath Easwaran or Winthrop Sargeant)
- Audio and video resources for pronunciation and chanting