Suggestions for Further Study There are many reasons for studying Sanskrit, from comparative linguistics to liberation, from poetry to philosophy, from simple chanting to mythology. Whatever the reason, the next obvious step is further study of the grammar. A personal bias needs to be declared here: my interest in Sanskrit lies in studying the scriptures, therefore translating from English into Sanskrit is irrelevant, and the building of a vocabulary detracts from the penetration of the scriptures (because of the limited worldly associations with familiar words). Furthermore, the range of grammar needs to be very wide: from the full etymology of each word (including the significance of each affix) to the figurative use in the most sublime writings. There are a wide range of books on Sanskrit grammar available, ranging from the introductory level to academic tomes: the majority of these approach the subject as they would any other foreign language, i.e. with a view to translation, rather than treating the study as a means to penetrate writings which express ideas and concepts foreign to the Western mind-set. Despite the above qualifications, the general reader will find the first five books in the list useful to further study of the grammar: (a) The Geeta, The Gospel of the Lord Shri Krishna, translated by Shri Purohit Swami, Faber and Faber: 80 pages, paperback. In clear easy-to-read language, rather than a literal translation: a delightful book, though expensive for its size. This translation provides a simple way of getting the context of a verse being studied, and is also useful in selecting a verse of interest to study. The verses are not numbered: it is worth the effort to work through the book numbering the verses in pencil, as well as putting the Chapter number in the top outer margin of each page. (b) The Bhagavad-Gita, translated by Winthrop Sargeant, SUNY: 739 pages, paperback. The Glta is written with simple and straightforward grammar, which, together with its magnificent philosophy and wealth of practical advice, makes it an ideal work with which to begin. This translation is especially suited to the Sanskrit student, as it expresses the grammar of the text as well as giving a word-by- word translation.
