On Sanskrit

In another forum, I wrote the following and thought it worth sharing here. It’s edited for context.

Sanskrit is a language that represents the sound of nature creating. Shiksha (a book on Sanskrit pronunciation) tells us Prakriti has 63 letters (sounds) and Sanskrit 64*. In that sense, sound is more important than meaning. In fact, the meaning is designed to be conferred to the listener by direct experience. More on this shortly.

Like all languages, Sanskrit is representative. Most languages are derived from prior languages and strongly influenced by ego-based awareness. Sanskrit, in its pure form, is derived from Shiva, from the divine. You might enjoy this article by Vyaas Houston, comparing English and Sanskrit.

I’ve heard it observed that modern languages are derived from a small group of proto-languages that arose around the world, fully formed, at around the same time. The Yugas book suggests this was due to group consciousness descending, necessitating verbal language. Writing followed. (see the Yugas link for more)

As we are that which contains creation, we can observe this process at work: sound/vibration giving rise to form and all experience. To be able to observe this requires the developed ability to stay in deep settled awareness at the source of thought with awake “inner” senses. When Sanskrit is heard at that level, the vibration gives rise to the form and we share the experience “encoded” in the verses. See Name and Form for more.

I understand Hebrew has some but less of that. Some Native languages probably do as well. English has little.

Veda, strictly speaking, is Shruti, sound. Veda is derived from Smriti, memory or impressions in Brahman. These have a visual quality like lucite slabs, vaguely like the memory in HAL in the movie 2001. These impressions are the map and foundation of all creations, not just our own.

I’ve heard it said that local languages reflect the local laws of nature. Google is apparently trying to catalog them, as described here.  (The Squamish nation is N of here.)
Davidya

* It can be noted that the Shiva Sutras & Vyakaran describe 42 letters and the alphabet is often taught with around 48 or 50 letters. Basically, it depends on what you include. There are only 36 unique Phonemes used. The Varna Samamnaya describes the full 64, including the plutos (3 count extra-long vowels) and ayogavahas (like the anusvara (the dot in Aum (om) that adds the m) and visarga (ha suffix)).

Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by Davidya