Study of Scriptures (Indian Classical Text) - How to start?
Most scriptures are written in Saṃskṛta and have now been tranlated to English and several other regional languages. However, learning the scriptures in Saṃskṛta has its own charm and authenticity. I recommend everyone interested in learning the scriptures to first learn Saṃskṛta and then learn the scriptures in a certain order, based on your interest level, it's usage in life and complexity.
Here is a general order given for someone who is starting new and where to look for some basic resources. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me for questions.
Saṃskṛta
Best way to learn Saṃskṛta is to start chanting prayers. When you fall in-love with the way Saṃskṛta sounds, get yourself a teacher that you trust; and start your learning.
Whether you are from India, and/or speak any of the Indian languages, learning Saṃskṛta online can get you a lot farther than you think. However, you must work on the pronunciation and practice a lot. To do that, you must start to write on paper and pen. Once you are familiar with the alphabets, you can transition to getting a keyboard that types in Sanskrit. One of the simplest ones are LipikaIME, Vedic Vidya Sanskrit.
One of the best places I have found great online content to learn Saṃskṛta is https://www.learnsanskrit.org. Find yourself a group to practice with and continue to commit spending time on your own.
If that looks intimidating, join me for an introductory class on Saṃskṛta so you can lift off from there.
Bhagavata GITA
To read Bhagavata GITA online yourself, click here. You can chant in English or Sanskrit, and read the translation for each verse.
To buy a printed or online book as reference, the 3 volumes published by Baba Haridass might be one of the great copies to use. Buy the book here.
To join a Satsang to study Bhagavata GITA, consider joining one of the two groups here.
1. Bhagavata GITA Class at Mt Madonna
2. Bhagavata GITA Study at Ayur-Vidya
TIP: When chanting the GITA verses, start with the GITA Dhyanam first and then proceed to the chapter specific verses.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
To study Yoga Sutra GITA online yourself, click here. You can chant in English or Sanskrit, and read the translation for each verse provided by Swami Vivekananda. Alternatively you can download the translation of Yoga Sutras from Swami Vivekananda.
To buy a printed or online book as reference, the 4 books published by Baba Haridass might be a good place to start. Buy the books here.
To join a Satsang to study Yoga Sutras, consider joining one of the two groups here.
1. Yoga Sutra Class at Mt Madonna
2. Yoga Sutra Study at Ayur-Vidya
TIP: When chanting the Yoga Sutra, start with Guru Prayer.
Upanishads
To study Upanishad online yourself, this is a great source. You can chant in English or Sanskrit, and read the translation by learned Vedantic teachers. Alternative study from the experts (Most of them are Vedanta teachers) by listening to their teachings on the Internet.
To buy a printed book as reference, you can buy the book here as written by Sri Aurobindo or just a basic version of Upanishad with translation by Janki Parikh
To join a Satsang to study Upanishads, contact Ayur-Vidya.
TIP: When chanting the Upanishads, start with Shanti-Path or a Guru-Prayer.
Here is a short introduction on Upanishads.
Vedas - Coming Soon
