Course Description
This 15-hour seminar will provide a fun and structured opportunity for you to acquire fluency in Devanāgarī—the primary alphabet of Sanskrit. No prior experience or language training is required.
Devanāgarī—"The City of the Gods"
Devanāgarī, lit. the "city" (nāgarī) of the gods (deva) is the primary "script" or alphabet used to write and encode the classical Sanskrit language. Being able to read Devanāgarī is thus essential to being able to read Sanskrit literature, and the sacred texts of Yoga. It is the foundation for any serious study of the language.
While learning the script might seem daunting at first, it is not terribly difficult. It simply takes discipline, practice, and lots of repetition. Just like yoga. Having a teacher, a structured course, and a supportive community makes learning Devanāgarī very attainable for anyone.
In just 6 weeks, you will be able to fluently read + write Sanskrit in Devanāgarī characters!
Note: Please keep in mind that while you will now be able to "read" any Sanskrit text, to understand the meaning of complete sentences requires a much deeper and rigorous study of Sanskrit grammar and syntax, which takes several years of study. But learning Devanāgarī is the first step on your Sanskrit journey!
Students will receive:
- 12 pre-recorded class sessions (60-90 minutes each)
- 12 audio recordings of class sessions
- PDFs of numerous handouts, mantra sheets, exercises, and more
- Final exam quiz to test your comprehension
- YS certificate of completion
Dr. Seth Powell
Founder and Director, Yogic Studies
Seth Powell is a scholar of Indian religions, Sanskrit, and yoga traditions, who earned his PhD in South Asian Religions at Harvard University. His dissertation comprised a critical edition, translation, and detailed study of a 15th-century Sanskrit yoga text from south India known as the Śivayogapradīpikā—which uniquely combines yoga, ritual, and devotion. He also works extensively on the visual and material culture of yoga in premodern India, uncovering yoga's past through temple sculptures.
As an educator, Seth is passionate about sharing the latest academic research on yoga's vast history and philosophies and is gifted in his ability to present the ancient teachings of yoga clearly in an accessible, light-hearted, and inspiring manner—while maintaining a rigor and sensitivity to traditional Indian knowledge systems.
Seth founded Yogic Studies in 2018 and serves as the Director and Head Faculty. He is also the host of The Yogic Studies Podcast.
This course can be taken individually, or can be paired with
SKT100b | Sanskrit for Yogis.
Sign up for both to save $40!
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