Speaker: Dr. Suryanarayana Nanda
Join us for an engaging one-hour webinar led by Dr. Suryanarayana Nanda, where he will introduce two fascinating aspects of Sanskrit literature and philosophy. This session is designed to provide a high-level overview of the topics, offering participants a glimpse into the richness of Sanskrit traditions.
**What to Expect:**
**The Yakṣa-Yudhiṣṭhira Saṁvāda: A Dialogue on Dharma and Wisdom**
Dr. Nanda will introduce the renowned philosophical dialogue between Yudhiṣṭhira and the Yakṣa from the Mahābhārata’s Vana Parva. This segment will focus on the key themes of dharma, morality, and existential truths, highlighting the philosophical significance of Yudhiṣṭhira’s responses. Participants will gain a concise understanding of this classic text and its timeless insights into ethical living.
**An Introduction to Sanskrit Prosody and Poetic Structures**
The webinar will also provide a brief overview of Sanskrit prosody (Chandas), the study of poetic meters and verse. Dr. Nanda will introduce the basic principles of laghu (light) and guru (heavy) syllables, as well as the patterns of light and heavy syllables in sequences (Gaṇa parichaya). Participants will learn about the three forms of verse—syllabic (akṣara-vṛtta), syllabo-quantitative (varṇa-vṛtta), and quantitative (mātrā-vṛtta)—and their aesthetic and mnemonic qualities.
**Who Should Attend:**
This webinar is ideal for individuals with a curiosity about Sanskrit literature and philosophy. While prior knowledge of Sanskrit is not required, please note that the courses introduced during this session are designed for those with some foundational understanding of Sanskrit studies.
**Key Takeaways:**
- A high-level introduction to the Yakṣa-Yudhiṣṭhira dialogue and its philosophical themes.
- An overview of Sanskrit prosody and its influence on classical Indian poetry, music, and dance.
- Inspiration to explore these topics further through dedicated courses.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the intersection of philosophy and poetry in Sanskrit literature with Dr. Suryanarayana Nanda.
