Sanskrit for Mere Mortals
- Bill Moriarty
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/17XM3Gq2XxU
Ever wonder what you're actually saying when you chant "Om" or mumble through "Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha"? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Varun Khanna, who studied traditional Sanskrit grammar in India and did his MPhil in Sanskrit and PhD in Hinduism at the University of Cambridge, UK. We explore how ancient practitioners understood Sanskrit as vibrations that directly create experience, break down the real meanings behind familiar mantras, and discuss Dr. Khanna's mission to democratize Sanskrit learning through his "Sanskrit for Mere Mortals" platform - making these ancient wisdom traditions accessible to everyone regardless of background. Learn more at https://www.sanskritformeremortals.com/
Key Topics
Sanskrit's Origin Story: How vibrations become language and experience
Understanding "Om": The infinite vibration underlying all existence
Heart Sutra Breakdown: What "Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha" actually means
Mantra Mechanics: Why they protect the mind from thinking
Power & Access: Democratizing Sanskrit beyond traditional hierarchies
Practical Wisdom: How understanding enhances your practice
This was from A Mindful Gathering, August 2025.