Chinese queueing up to learn about an ancient tongue
Print Edition
SIXTY people have enrolled at the Hangzhou Buddhism Institute for a free summer camp to study Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language.
They were selected for the six-day course from more than 300 Chinese candidates who included yoga instructors, designers and hotel managers.
He Min, an economics graduate who now teaches yoga, said the chance was “too precious” to pass up.
“Sanskrit is a common language used by yoga practitioners across the world.
Though many yoga textbooks are written in English, the postures we practice remain named in Sanskrit and the chants are also in Sanskrit,” the 39-year-old said.
Pan Long, a PHD in mechanical design and automation, is hoping to better understand Buddhist scriptures written in Sanskrit.
“In my spare time, I often read classical literature and Buddhist works such as the Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra, but do not understand them well. This summer camp gives me a chance to live a different life and provides a getaway from everyday stress,” the 27-year-old said.
Since March, more than 100 students have attended a two-hour class held twice a week at the Institute.
The lecture is also free, but currently in recess due to summer break. To help the 60 trainees learn as much as possible, Li Wei said a dozen students from the regular class volunteered to be teaching assistants. They will help teach pronunciation and handwriting.
“Although the summer camp is only a week long, I hope all participants grasp basic reading and writing, while those who aspire to learn further can also get the assistance they need,” said Li.
Zhang Can, 25, said she was inspired after the first day on Monday. She said the instructor clearly outlined the differences between Mandarin and Sanskrit, making study much easier.
“My goal for the summer camp is to speak and write correctly and use Sanskrit dictionaries properly. Therefore, in the future I can try teaching myself and consult with the instructor when necessary,” she said.
Chinese schools began Sanskrit classes in the late 1940s. But the discipline has developed slowly due to the lack of proper textbooks and a teacher shortage.
Gang Xiao, deputy chief of the Hangzhou Buddhism Institute, said the purpose of holding the free summer camp was to meet growing public interests in Sanskrit and facilitate the disciplinary development of the language.
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