Intermediate Sanskrit and Reading the Vedic Literature
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
“Reading the Vedic literature in sequence is the procedure to spontaneously train the brain physiology and the whole physiology of speech to function in the most orderly way, so that every thought, speech, and action is spontaneously promoted in the evolutionary direction of Natural Law, and thereby spontaneously enjoys full support of the evolutionary quality of intelligence that upholds order and evolution in the entire universe.”
—Maharishi
with Professor Keith Wegman
Course Structure: This is now available as an online self-study course, to be viewed at your convenience. Videos and course materials are available to view for one year after signing up.
Course Fee:
- $95 general tuition fee
- $65 discounted course fee for full-time students, full-time TM organization staff, and low-income retirees
- India, South Africa, and certain other countries have a discounted rate of $35. Please locate your country in the form and find and enter your rate.
The course fee includes detailed study guides and course materials.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Sanskrit and Reading the Vedic Literature Course.
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Course Description
Reading the Vedic literature in Sanskrit is a technology of Maharishi Vedic ScienceSM to accelerate the unfoldment of higher states of consciousness. This 5-week, 10-lesson course is designed to bring your introductory Sanskrit practice to the next level of fluency and ease.
Each class session will include:
- Reading the Dhatupatha of Pāṇini, which consists of easy-to-read syllables which are also fundamental verbal roots (or dhatus) of Sanskrit, starting with the root, Bhu. Maharishi describes Bhu in a video which we will view. This text provides a perfect opportunity for beginning readers to practice reading out these numerous combinations of sound.
- Recitation from the revered Vedic text, Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. One verse during each lesson will be presented, first as an unfolding sequence of syllables, and then repeated until recitation of the verse is comfortable and fluid.
- Special lectures of Maharishi discussing these and other topics related to Sanskrit and Vedic sound as the Language of Nature, including:
- “The Phonology of Creation” (1972)
- “The Root Bhu and Vedic Grammar” (1972)
- Discussion of the content, as well as questions and answers.
- Special Vedic recitations by Maharishi Vedic Pandits.
- A 10-minute group meditation to conclude, which is optional and occurs after the 90-minute class session.
Reviews
“Take it — no matter what your linguistic preferences — invaluable information. My good friend just received her Master’s degree in reading Vedic literature and she insisted that it would be worth it. I hope more intermediate level classes focused on readings will ensue!” —CS
“I read some Sanskrit while at MIU years ago and then on my own. While I got many benefits, I have never had such clear experiences like in this class. For the first time I clearly experienced the flavor of the text being read. I felt abundance and generosity and suddenly I started to get free stuff, found money I forgot I had, got money that was not expecting, etc. Mind blowing. I really enjoyed Dr Keith Wegman calm and soothing demeanor and patience, I look forward to more courses like this one.” —MC
“If you do not already read Sanskrit, you should not miss these introductory courses. Do them! Professor Wegman is obviously in love with Vedic Sanskrit and shares that love and knowledge in every class, even while he is being carefully patient and nurturing to students at every level. He appreciates all of the students’ comments and questions and does his best to respond. He knows all kinds of things about words and meanings and Vedic literature, and one gets the impression he can’t wait to share them all.” —VM
“Focus of this course is practice of reading devanagari and correct pronunciation in a systematic manner.” —MF
“Should take it, but should be initiated in TM first” —NB
“This is the best course I’ve ever taken and continues to contribute to my spiritual experience and growth. Many thanks to Dr. Keith and those who made it possible.” —DC
“This course gives deep insight into reading devanagari and understanding the forty aspects of vedic literature for the sanskrit beginner. It is a comfortable and easy start for reading sanskrit in devanagari that everybody can manage. Reading devanagari at the first look seems to be a little bit difficult – but even after only a few lessons turns out to be much more fulfilling than reading the roman script. Dr. Wegman’s patient and well timed didactics encourage and promote the intuitive understanding of vedic expressions and texts. I really enjoyed every single lesson!” —JP
“Appreciation for the monastic flow of the course which allows the unfolding of the Veda within.” —KD
“Learning to form Sanskrit letters has such a subtle quality — it feels just like transcending. There is great knowledge/awareness gained that comes from learning where and how these sounds evolve. Definitely take this course! It is beautiful!” —NL
“An excellent course in continuing sanskrit, led very ably by Dr Wegman” —PM
“This course is uniquely effective in teaching Sanskrit because it is grounded in Maharishi’s knowledge. Dr. Wegman is a careful, patient teacher whose lessons are always elegantly, clearly organized. He always makes sure that the class understands the lesson, and he always brings the learning of Sanskrit back to Maharishi’s knowledge. I am now very confident reading Devanagari and am making my way through Vedic texts on my own. I treasure the knowledge and learning in this course! It is a gift for life.” —JM
“This course is so beautifully structured in sequential steps of experience of every swara, every sound and syllable and word, by hearing and reading, so that the student can effortlessly enjoy imbibing the language of the Vedic literature and quickly appreciate the hymn we were learning, the Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam. I felt that with every new letter and word, it was like receiving a mantra. And indeed, that is just what it is. And the effect is beautiful. Bravo, Dr. Keith Wegman. The course is beautifully designed and delivered. The discussion in the chat also reveals that several participants, including those of Indian heritage, have some knowledge of Sanskrit and its culture and generously share it. This also enriches the course, as do the questions that come up.” —AM
“The course was most highly enjoyable – Prof. Wegman is a very engaging lecturer and tutor, and there was a very high degree of interaction from the students, who like me were just fascinated by what we were learning and experiencing.” —GG
“Perfect, rich Sanskrit Course! Dr. Keith is such a wonderful teacher, full of love, competence, wisdom for his subject, and he made an incredible – easy to understand course structure, systematically and full of knowledge. It gets never boring or difficult to follow thank you very much, I did enjoy ! JAI GURU DEV” —DR
“A perfect and easy way to learn Sanskrit. The basis of transformation into MMY’s experience and knowledge.” —Anon
“A very rich course with combination of listening to vedic recitation and fantastic tapes with Maharishi on the theme of phonology of creation, and speaking out, reciting a very special section of Padma Puran as well as transcending with group meditations. Very well structured and taught by a very inspiring as well as skilled teacher. Highly recommend it!” —YL
“Excellent course! Looking forward to level 3.” —KT
About Professor Keith Wegman
Keith Wegman, PhD
Dr. Keith Wegman has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate level courses in Sanskrit and Maharishi Vedic Science and has researched and lectured in these subjects both nationally and internationally over the last 25 years. He is also a Certified Teacher of the Transcendental Meditation® technique and is the Director of TM® instruction at the Raj Ayurveda Health Spa.
Dr. Wegman received his PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science from Maharishi International University in 2004, his MA in Science of Creative Intelligence® from Maharishi International University in 1993, and BA in Philosophy/Art from St. Olaf College in 1991. He lives in Fairfield, Iowa, with his wife Sankari and two children, Jayanta and Uma.
FAQs
Are there any prerequisites for taking the course?
Yes, Introduction to Sanskrit and Reading the Vedic Literature is the prerequisite.
How long are the videos available to view?
For at least one year after you’ve enrolled.
Where can I contact the organizer of this event with any questions?
Please email the Office of Continuing Education at ce@miu.edu. Or you can call 641-919-0045 during office hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Central Time).
What is the refund policy?
We offer full refunds to anyone who requests them before starting the third class.