During an open house, a thought-provoking question was posed: "Why is Sanskrit relevant in today's age, especially in Canada?" The question made me reflect. So, here I am, unfolding the layers of Sanskrit's significance in the modern era.
As I often tell my students, a language isn't just a language; it carries a culture. Sanskrit, therefore, is a vessel carrying the vast ocean of 'Sanskriti' (culture). It is also known as devabhasha, or the language of Gods. With an expansive vocabulary (where there are over 200 words for the word "Water") and a respectful abstinence from slang, Sanskrit ushers in a sense of respect and gratitude, and the syllables have a profound impact on the mind and the body. In spite of being the oldest language, Sanskrit has only magnified in its relevance to today's chaos-ridden society.
Sanskrit as a language is very systematic and syntactic. Sanskrit grammar serves as a master template for most Indian and European languages. It's also termed as the world's only programmable language. Learning multiple languages is an enriching experience, and learning one that is so systematic and syntactic is definitely an intellectually enriching experience.
The Vedas, the most ancient body of knowledge, which contain elaborate descriptions of diverse knowledge spheres, from science and technology to arts and culture and more, can be accessed through Sanskrit. Sanskrit verses eloquently and concisely describe several contemporary "facts" that may otherwise take several pages to describe. The decimal system described by Aryabhatta in his treatise Aryabhatiya and the definition of cell structure by Parashara Muni (millennia before Robert Hook) are some such examples. Another sphere where Sanskrit met Mathematics with a flavor of philosophy is the renowned Katapayadi system where Sanskrit alphabets were used to represent various numbers, and through elegant verses, mathematical information was relayed with a deep philosophical message for society.
Reciting Sanskrit slokas from memory is an ancient practice in Vedic Education Systems. After conducting scientific experiments on the merit of this practice, Dr. James Hartzell writes that memorizing Vedic mantras increases the size of brain regions associated with cognitive function, notably memory (both short-term and long-term). Reciting Sanskrit mantras sharpens the intellect and assists the physical body by reducing stress and anxiety. The Bhagavad Gita also cites reciting Vedic Slokas regularly as a means to enhance speech.
Sanskrit aligns with other Vedic practices like Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, and Jyotisa, enriching lifestyles globally as sustainable, holistic health tools gain prominence. In nurturing our students' personalities, Sanskrit's relevance shines brighter than ever.
Vedic Roots Schools offer Sanskrit as a second language. From a tender age, our toddlers are exposed to the mystical sounds of Sanskrit slokas. In the preschool years, they effortlessly pick up Sanskrit phrases and alphabets that further acquaint them with the language. As they transition into grade 1, the journey takes a more structured path, with formal lessons in reading, writing, and advanced mantra classes.
So, we don't just teach Sanskrit; we celebrate it
