International Summer School in Spoken Sanskrit 2026

Introduction

Do you wish to speak Sanskrit, the revered devabhāṣā—the language of the Gods—also known as devavāṇī, surabhāratī and amarabhāratī? Do you aspire to engage with daivī vāk, the divine speech, a language that is itself personified as the goddess Sarasvatī, Bhāratī, and Vāgdevī? Are you drawn to an ancient language whose antiquity reaches back four to five thousand years? Would you like to explore the language of yoga and bhoga, of bhukti and mukti, and a language whose precise structure has even inspired modern computational thought?

If so, you are at the right place.

The International Summer School in Spoken Sanskrit in Leipzig offers a unique opportunity to experience Sanskrit not merely as a classical or textual language, but as a living, spoken medium of communication. This four-week intensive programme is designed to fulfil your aspiration to speak this beautiful language—known by many names, yet commonly called Sanskrit. Participants of Dr. Sadananda Das’s previous summer schools in Germany and elsewhere consistently attest to the programme’s depth, effectiveness, and transformative impact.

Embark on an intellectually enriching journey with the Spoken Sanskrit Summer School under the expert guidance of Dr. Sadananda Das at the prestigious Institute of South and Central Asian Studies, Leipzig University, Germany. Suitable for both advanced learners and motivated newcomers, this immersive programme combines academic rigor with hands-on practice.

Programme Details

Dates: 03 August 2026 – 28 August 2026

Number of participants: Maximum 20

Schedule and structure:

Duration: 4 weeks

Frequency: 6 days per week,

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10:00 - 17:00

Wednesdays and Saturdays: 10:00 - 13:00

Each full day includes two tea/coffee breaks and one lunch break.

Indicative Daily Timetable:

Academic Content and Learning Objectives

Participants will develop practical conversational skills in Sanskrit, with a focus on:

• Introducing oneself and engaging in everyday conversations
• Discussing personal interests, studies, likes, and dislikes
• Mastering Sanskrit storytelling techniques
• Reciting and chanting subhāṣitas in various enchanting metres

Teaching Content

• Introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of spoken Sanskrit
• Training in mnemonic techniques and methods of recitation
• Introduction to popular Sanskrit metres
• Reading and understanding basic texts in spoken Sanskrit
• Active usage through dialogues, discussions, conversations, singing, recitations, games, and theatrical activities
• Memorisation, comprehension, and singing of subhāṣitas

Program Highlights

• Intensive training in spoken Sanskrit through immersive and interactive methods
• A balanced approach combining traditional Sanskrit pedagogy with modern communicative techniques
• Suitable for both beginners and advanced learners
• Emphasis on active usage, oral fluency, and linguistic confidence
• An academically enriching environment within a prestigious European university

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will:

• Communicate confidently in spoken Sanskrit, introduce themselves and speak confidently about their family, studies, interests, and preferences in Sanskrit.
• Develop the ability to think and respond naturally in Sanskrit
• Gain deeper insight into Sanskrit’s philosophical and cultural worldview
• Experience Sanskrit as a living, expressive language

Know your teacher

Dr. Sadananda Das has been teaching Sanskrit language and literature at Leipzig University for over 21 years and is internationally renowned for his innovative and immersive approach to teaching spoken Sanskrit. He brings extensive experience, having conducted more than 55 spoken Sanskrit summer schools worldwide, including in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Australia, and numerous institutions in India.

Dr. Das earned his traditional Śāstrī (B.A.) degree from Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, University of Pune. Since 2005, he has taught Sanskrit language, literature, and Indian philosophy—particularly Kashmir Śaivism—at the Institute of South and Central Asian Studies, Leipzig University, and is widely regarded as a pioneer of spoken Sanskrit pedagogy in the Western academic context.

Having taught more than 1,500 students from 46 countries, Dr. Das is admired for his natural teaching style and for creating a lively, relaxed, and intellectually stimulating classroom atmosphere.

A Transformative Learning Experience

This summer school is ideal for students, scholars and researchers of Sanskrit and Indology, yoga practitioners, educators, philosophy students, advanced learners wishing to strengthen spoken fluency and anyone with a serious interest in Sanskrit who wishes to experience the language as it was intended—spoken, heard, and lived. Participants will leave the program not only with enhanced linguistic competence, but also with a deeper appreciation of Sanskrit as a foundational language of global intellectual heritage.

Join us in Leipzig for an intensive and inspiring journey into one of humanity’s most profound linguistic traditions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and possess basic knowledge of Sanskrit (at least two semesters), including the ability to read the Devanāgarī script. The course will be conducted in Sanskrit.

Application and Registration Procedure

1. Applicants must first submit an application for the course.
2. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be informed whether they have been admitted.
3. Admitted participants must transfer the course fee and materials fee to the designated bank account.
4. Registration is valid only upon receipt of payment by 25th June 2026.
5. The course will take place only if the required minimum number of participants is reached.
6. In the event of cancellation due to insufficient enrolment, the course fee will be refunded.

Please download the application form below. Applications can start now.
Downloads

Important Note:

All bank charges for transactions from outside Europe must be borne by the participants.

Deadline for Applications: 15th June 2026

Registration Fees: 500 Euros and 25 Euros for the materials.

Payment Deadline: 25th June 2026

Bank Details:

• Bank Details: Bank: Sparkasse Leipzig
• IBAN: DE72 8605 5592 1090 3886 20
• BIC: WELADE8LXXX