Description
Book SynopsisThis Reader aims to help students start reading original Sanskrit literature. When we study ancient languages, there often is quite a gap between introductory, grammar-based classes and independent reading of original texts. This Reader bridges that gap by offering complete grammar and vocabulary notes for 40 entertaining, thought-provoking or simply beautiful passages from Sanskrit narrative and epic, as well as over 130 subhāṣitas (epigrams). These readings are complemented by review sections on syntax, word formation and compounding, a 900-word study vocabulary, complete transliterations and literal translations of all readings, as well as supplementary online resources. The Reader can be used for self-study and in a classroom, both to accompany introductory Sanskrit courses and to succeed them.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Read Me! A Brief Introduction You Won’t Want to Miss How to Do More With Words: Building Up Your Sanskrit Vocabulary Beginning to Read Sanskrit: Some Practical Tips for English Speakers Annotations and Abbreviations The Readings 1 Hitopadeśa, or Supportive Advice a The Dog, the Donkey and the Thief (2.2) b The Lion, Mouse and Cat (2.3) c The Clever Woman and the Bell (2.4) d The Clever Woman with Two Lovers (2.6) e The Lion and the Old Hare (2.8) f The Elephant, the Hares and the Moon (3.3) g The Blue Jackal (3.7) h The Sage and the Mouse (4.5) i The Old Crane and the Crab (4.6) j The Brahmin and the Pots (4.7) k The Two Demons (4.8) l The Brahmin and the Three Crooks (4.9) 2 Vikramacarita, or Vikrama’s Deeds a I Volunteer as Tribute (Story 8) b Eight Jewels from Eight Goddesses (Story 21) c King Vikrama in His Element (Story 22) d Don’t Believe Everything You See (Story 30) 3 Rāmāyaṇa, or Rāma’s Journey a The Beauty of the Night (1. 33.14–18) b A Perfect Leader (2.1.15–28) c A Land Without Leadership (2.61.8–23) d Jābāli the Materialist on the Meaning of Life (2.100.1–17) e Sītā Cautions Rāma on the Handling of Weapons (3.8.1–12, 20–29) f Rāma Asks Nature If It Has Seen Sītā (3.58.1–22, 31–34) g The Ascetic Śabarī (3.70.4–27) h The Hermitage of the Seven Sages (4.13.12–27) i Tārā Counsels Her Husband Vālin (4.15.7–23) j Tārā Laments Her Husband Vālin (4. 20.12–17) k The Rainy Season (4.27.2–46) l Svayaṃprabhā’s Cave (4.49.12–52.13) m Hanumān Learns about His Immaculate Conception (4.65.8–28) n How Should I Address Sītā? (5.28.3–44) 4 Kathāsaritsāgara, or Ocean of Rivers of Stories a Śiva Explains the Significance of Skulls (1.2.10–15) b Brahmadatta and the Golden Swans (1.3.27–34) c Pāṇini (1.4.20–25) d Hand with Five Fingers, Hand with Two Fingers (1.5.8–12) e Why the Fish Laughed (1.5.14–25) f King Śibi Sacrifices Himself (1.7.88–97) g How the Bṛhatkathā Came to Earth (1.8.1–38) h Ahalyā: Bilingual and Clever (3.3.137–147) i Buddhist Merchant, Hindu Son (6.1.11–54) j The Brahmin and the Outcaste (6.1.123–133) k The Seven Princesses: King Kaliṅgadatta Is Told a Story within a Story within a Story (6.2.9–45) l Tapodatta Tries to Replace Study with Penance (7.6.13–24) m Should You Turn a Mouse into a Girl? (10.6.125–135) n Once You’ve Tasted the Good Stuff … (10.6.178–185) o Guard the Door! (10.6.209–211) 5 Bṛhatkathāślokasaṃgraha, or Verse Summary of the Great Story 6 Subhāṣitas, or Epigrams Appendix 1: Roman Transliteration of All Texts Appendix 2: Literal Translations of All Texts Appendix 3: Study Vocabulary
