It depends. Independent of your level, you can benefit from the teachings on pronunciation, how to study and use sūtras, and some other basic concepts. However, we recommend knowing basic Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar because it will facilitate memorizing the sūtras and vṛttis. You can acquire basic Sanskrit knowledge through introductory courses, such as the one offered at Jiva Institute. Those who know modern Indian languages, such as Bengali or Hindi, are often well-equipped to start learning in the sūtra system.

Studying in the sūtra system is much slower but more thorough because it teaches the complete set of rules. Modern systems provide a sense of achievement very quickly because often, after only a few lessons, students can understand and build basic sentences.

To accelerate learning, modern systems usually simplify the rules of word formation or omit them entirely and focus only on recognizing the word forms. That is great for understanding texts in Sanskrit but often insufficient for understanding commentaries or composing texts.

Thus, we often recommend combining both systems: start with a modern system to get a quick overview and basic understanding and then take to the sūtra system to learn the complete set of rules.

Both cover the same rules of laukika Sanskrit. In addition, Bhagavān Pāṇinī also covers additional rules for vaidika Sanskrit which is omitted by Śrī Jīva due to limited practicality in the current times. Apart from Vedic forms, there are only very few forms accepted by Pāṇinī which Śrī Jīva does not include.

There are two major differences: First, Jīva Gosvāmī arranged the sūtras by topic so that they are easier to learn. In contrast, Pāṇinī arranged them by adhikāra so that the amount of syllables to memorize or write would be minimal. Second, HNV is a complete work in itself, whereas the study of aṣṭhādyāyī requires also the vārtika, mahā-bhāṣya and further commentaries or Siddhānta-kaumudī.

We strongly recommend memorizing regularly because the sūtra systems require knowing key rules and terminology by heart. This module lays the fundament for the subsequent modules that cover the inflection of words. For that, a solid remembrance of sandhi and basic terminology is necessary. In our online course, you can progress at your own pace.

Besides advancing in Sanskrit knowledge, regular memorization has various health benefits for the brain, and remembering the sūtras means chanting the names of Kṛṣṇa.

Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī wrote this vyākaraṇam for people who are proficient in contemporary Indian languages, such as Bengali or Hindi. If you don't know one Indian language, we encourage you to consider starting with an introductory course in Sanskrit before starting with the sūtra system. Such courses are available at Jiva Institute.

The Jiva Institute needs to cover costs, just like any other school. Recording and archiving classes cost money and labor. We invite everyone to join the live classes on Harināmāmṛta-vyākaraṇam in Vrindavan and online for free and give a donation that you find appropriate.

Through this course, in exchange for your tuition fee, you get the chance to study from a world-famous scholar without having to adjust your schedule or live in his ashram.