A common mistake people generally make is to think Sanskrit a difficult language to learn. However, this couldn't be further from the truth, as Sanskrit is a phonetic language and spoken as it is written.  For example, there are no silent letters in Sanskrit and each word represents the subject or object.  Whether you read the devanāgari script or diacritic latin alphabet (International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration), with a little training you can quickly learn most of the vyākaraṇa (basic grammar) and uccāranam (correct pronunciation).  

This helps you in identifing akṣarah, vyañjanam, different types of visargas, hrsva and dirgha vowels, svārah, saṃdhī, anusvāra and so on. Within a few short lessons you can be on your way to pronouncing ślokas to a high standard, as expressively desired by Srila Prabhupada for his immediate dikṣa/sikṣa and HDGs guru parampara sikṣa disciples for many generations to come. 

"I am grateful to you for giving me a chance to express my feelings about our Bhagwad Geeta scripture and our classes.  We all know that the essence of all Vedic literature is one and the only book – Bhagwad Geeta which is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead is its essence.

We may clean ourselves daily by taking a bath in water, but if we take a bath even once in the water of the sacred Ganges of Bhagwad Geeta, the dirt of our material life will be conquered. 

This was exactly the case with me.  Before joining my Bhagwad Geeta Shlokarship Class, I was absorbed  in the material life of this world.  But by taking part in the reading of the Holy Bhagwad Geeta, I am, as though reborn in this world.  

Today the world is aware of the fact that Bhagwad-Geeta is a very important scripture that can help us to get out of the vicious cycle of birth and death.  It teaches us various important principles that relate to work, life, religion, philosophy and spirituality.  I believe that anyone who recites Bhagwad Geeta with devotion will go to the spiritual world at the time of death. 

By memorising and chanting these sacred words, we not only benefit ourselves, but also benefit thousands of other souls.  For me, today, Bhagwad Geeta is one of the most important Vedic scriptures.  From the time I started learning Bhagwad Geeta, I am able to wake up early in the morning.  I can chant Gita anytime without getting tired.  Lord Krishna has showered me with His blessings and new opportunities.

Bhagavad Geeta has taught me to do things right.  I really thank Sakhyarasa Prema Prabhu ji for giving us the right path by inspiring us and teaching us the correct pronunciation.  I struggled a lot to memorise the 2nd chapter and 3rd chapter shlokas.  But the day I mastered it was a big relief for me.  Many times, I was ready to drop out because of the daily life hazards and problems, but when I kept on trying repeatedly, I was able to memorise the shlokas.  I think we all just need to work hard to master it.

Being a part of this unbelievable task of memorising entire Bhagavad Gita is amazing.  The presence of Lord Krishna in my daily routine makes me more responsible, caring, having reverence and respect for others.  In fact, this Bhagwad Geeta class has made me more calmer than before and able to deal with things better. I don’t get angry easily. I am able to concentrate better and even my memory has improved a lot. 

A big thanks to Sakhyarasa Prema prabhu ji who guides us and help us to learn Bhagavad gita shlokas."

Hare Krishna!

Payal Lata.