Jiva Institute of Vedic Studies

Studying HNV 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 achieve that, they usually simplify the rules of word formation or omit them and focus only on recognizing the word forms. That is great for understanding texts in Sanskrit but often insufficient for 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: Jīva Gosvāmī arranged the sūtras by topic which makes them easier to learn. In contrast, Pāṇinī arranged them by adhikāra so that the amount of syllables to memorize or write would be minimal. Also, HNV is a complete work in itself whereas the study of aṣṭhādyāyī requires also the vārtika and mahā-bhāṣya (or Siddhānta-kaumudī)

We strongly recommend memorizing regularly because the sūtra systems require knowing key rules and terminology by heart. 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.

Yes! We plan to add quizzes to help you retain and apply the key concepts from the classes. We will increase the price of this course after having enhanced it. If you buy it now, you will get updates to the course for free.

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. 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.