Sanskrit dictionary -- for Karen

[Guest guest]

Karen, I like "A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy" (Sanskrit

Terms Defined in English, New and Revised Edition), by John Grimes,

published by State University of New York Press. I bought my copy

from the Vedanta Society of Southern California. You can find them

on the web. You look up the words by the transliteration, and then

it gives the Sanskrit also in Devanagari script, then excellent

English definitions. Many scriptural citations are included. It's

not a complete Sanskrit dictionary, but has excellent coverage of

terms used in scriptures and spiritual teachings. Besides giving the

meanings of most of the terms I've wanted to know, it has also helped

me to learn to read Devanagari script.

 

I hope this is helpful to you.

 

Dharmananda

[Guest guest]

Dear Dharmananda,

I want to thank you most sincerely for recommending this dictionary.

I just completed the order for it and am anxious to receive it. Your

kindness in taking the time to write a recommendation in response to

my need is much appreciated. Pranam. (Did I use that word

correctly?)

Best wishes and warmest regards,

Karen

-

ma1973

2/6/2004 8:22:55 AM

Sanskrit dictionary -- for Karen

Karen, I like "A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy" (Sanskrit

Terms Defined in English, New and Revised Edition), by John Grimes,

published by State University of New York Press. I bought my copy

from the Vedanta Society of Southern California. You can find them

on the web. You look up the words by the transliteration, and then

it gives the Sanskrit also in Devanagari script, then excellent

English definitions. Many scriptural citations are included. It's

not a complete Sanskrit dictionary, but has excellent coverage of

terms used in scriptures and spiritual teachings. Besides giving the

meanings of most of the terms I've wanted to know, it has also helped

me to learn to read Devanagari script.I hope this is helpful to

you.Dharmananda

[Guest guest]

> Pranam. (Did I use that word correctly?)

 

According to Grimes, "pranam" (the second "a" is long, but I am not

able to enter the diacritics here -- in this case the line over

the "a") means "to bow"; to greet with respect. (Without the

diacritics, some systems would write "pranaam" to indicate the

long "a". We see this construction in Shree Maa's name.) So you used

the right word but probably not the right form, as "pranam" is

indicated as the infinitive verb. I have heard this word used as a

noun, but I don't know my Sanskrit forms very well. It's a complex

language and there are many, many forms of these common words used in

different contexts.

 

Probably the more common way to say what you were intending to say

would be to use the word "namaskara" (the third "a" is long --

namaskaara). Grimes defines this word as "greeting (in the spirit of

worship); "I bow to you"; the act of invoking "not-me" (but Thou);

salutation; obeisance". There is more, including the roots from

which the word is derived. It's a great book; I'm sure you'll

appreciate it very much. And what a great language with so many

words indicative of various aspects of spiritual life! I have been

inspired by Swamiji's encouragement to people to learn to understand

the Goddess "in her native language".

 

I have known how to read Devanagari script for many years, and

learned a lot of Sanskrit words from reading spiritual books, but I

am only now beginning to study the Sanskrit language in any

systematic way. I recently ordered the wonderful two-volume

beginning Sanskrit course by Thomas Egenes called "Introduction to

Sanskrit", Part One and Part Two. It arrived just yesterday and I've

been poring over it ever since. It's very easy to use and makes

everything very clear. This is an actual course in the Sanskrit

language, not a dictionary. I bought the books from South Asia

Books. They were much cheaper by ordering through amazon.com than

through South Asia Books own website, so I did that. They came

quickly and in great condition.

 

Is anyone else studying Sanskrit? I am interested to know what you

have found helpful in your studies.

 

Dharmananda