It was an absolute pleasure to be part of this cohort. Dr. Vladimir Yatesnko is a very special teacher, with great depth of knowledge and perspective on the subject. The class changed the way I perceive words — and, in turn, the worlds they create. It has ignited a fire in me to learn Sanskrit properly, to understand how the language is formed and what lies behind the veil. The sessions were structured beautifully, making an ancient and intricate subject feel accessible without ever diluting its depth. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone curious about language, philosophy, or simply a new way of seeing the world.
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“This is the best course I have done in my life. I loved the way Sanskrit was dealt in a sacred manner and so many philosophical insights emerged from the very first class. I loved James’ readings in the beginning, Sir’s teachings and comments and, above all, the participants reflections. It was a truly transformational course for me.”
What takeaways did you acquire from these sessions? Did they enhance your knowledge and understanding of the Sanskrit language?
1. Language correlation with Tanmatras.
2. Sphota theory.
3. Deeper understanding of 4 levels of speech.
4. Concept of time — future.
5. The best was the correlation of vibhaktis to 7 levels of consciousness. I cried after that session.
6. Knowing that 50% of Sanskrit boils down to one slide in the class. It gave me the confidence that I can learn the language in due course of time with effort.
7. Correlation between Yoga, Tantra and Vedanta through one picture.
8. The story of Brahma and Indra.
9. The concreteness of the language through the example of the expression, ' I love You' and how it’s mentioned in Sanskrit in various ways.
10. The concept of Mahapashyanti and its correlation with Pashyanti.
11. Rhythm and metre.
12. There was also a lot of unknown (subtle) transformations happening which cannot be expressed in words. That's the most important takeaway.
13. I understood how the language is taught so poorly in other places in India where I tried to learn and why I could not resonate with the class or gave up in thw first 2 or 3 sessions. The sacredness was completely missing.”
Which aspects of the course did you enjoy exploring the most?
1. James’ readings at the beginning. He must do this for all courses. It was truly profound.
2. The reflections and questions of participants and Sir’s comments.
3. The way Sir put bite-sized wisdom in each class without rushing and giving enough time for questions and reflections. I felt complete after each session… they neither felt slow nor rushed and everyone got time to express themselves.”
Did you find the course content easy to understand and follow?
“I am quite comfortable with philosophy but I had to go through Vibhaktis class again and practice it to master it. I think if in the next course the technical aspects are given 2 classes so that there is theory in one and practice in the next then we can master especially for people like me who grasp technical concepts slowly. The theory was heavy but I enjoyed it a lot especially the philosophy and its application in my own life.”
Did the sessions intensify and deepen your own spiritual practice?
“Absolutely. My key takeaway from the course is austerity of speech and manifesting beauty in speech — I need to focus on this in my sadhana.”
Have the sessions inspired you to immerse yourself in this language over the remainder of your lifetime?
“I am glad that the next course is through a text and not through dry grammar. I think it will take a lifetime to master it. I am approaching the next course as primarily a tool for transformation in my sadhana first and then as a means to learn the language. I have inner blocks which I need to dissolve. The building-blocks have been given. Now the effort needs to be put in to learn it with the same sacredness that it’s being taught.”
Did the sessions give you a clear insight and understanding of Sri Aurobindo’s insights on Sanskrit?
“Absolutely. I always felt Sri Aurobindo goes to the root of things and gives both depth and breadth or vastness to every subject. I felt the same in this course too.”
How did you find the atmosphere of this programme?
“Very open, profound, sacred, deep, transformational, pure. The space and the field that was created in this course had a deep effect on me.”
Did the course deepen your immersion into Integral Yoga?
“Yes, it showed me where I was progressing and where the gaps are. I don't like to keep too many goals for a year. 2026 - was overcoming shame and having goodwill. Both are work in progress. I have added austerity of speech to the goals. But it will take time bwcause the inner being needs to be in harmony and needs to be vast before the speech can be purified. I went on a pilgrimage last Sunday to pray specifically for this and took a strong sankalpa. I am hopeful it will happen soon with the blessings of the Masters and effort from my end.”
