Lost in Translation: How Poor Sanskrit Teaching is Failing Ayurveda Students?
Vd. (Dr.)Divya Chauhan I Your Trusted Ayurveda Expert
Realistic yet Generalist I AI-Enabled Ayurveda Innovator | Researcher | Author | Healthcare Collaborator
The teaching of Sanskrit plays a crucial role in the education of Ayurveda students, as it directly impacts their understanding of the foundational texts and concepts of this ancient medical system. Inadequate instruction in Sanskrit can lead to significant gaps in knowledge, comprehension, and the overall effectiveness of Ayurvedic education.
As a first-year Ayurveda student, I walked into Sanskrit class expecting to unlock ancient wisdom. Instead, I got:
The Importance of Sanskrit in Ayurveda
Language of the Texts
Sanskrit is the original language of many classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These texts contain intricate medical knowledge, philosophical insights, and treatment methodologies that are often lost in translation.
Deep Understanding of Concepts
A strong foundation in Sanskrit enables students to engage with the original texts, allowing for a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic principles. The language's grammatical structure and vocabulary are designed to express ideas with precision and clarity, which is vital for comprehending the subtleties of Ayurvedic philosophy and practice.
The Brutal Reality Check
Quick! Define these FIRST-YEAR Sanskrit concepts without Googling:
What is 'Avaya'?
If you're struggling, you're not alone.
Where are our teachers missing the mark?
1️⃣ Assuming prior knowledge of Ayurveda - qualified sanskrit
The sanskrit we are taught in our school-standard, and what is needed to really understand the samhita texts is very much different!
2️⃣ No Clinical Context
3️⃣ Outdated Methods
✓ Dosha = "that which corrupts" (not just "body type")
✓ Agni = "metabolic fire" (not just "digestion")
Consequences of Inadequate Sanskrit Teaching
Misinterpretation of Texts
When students lack proficiency in Sanskrit, they may misinterpret critical passages in Ayurvedic texts. This misinterpretation can lead to incorrect applications of Ayurvedic principles in practice, potentially compromising patient care and treatment outcomes.
Reduced Academic Rigor
The decline in Sanskrit education within Ayurvedic programs has been noted as a significant factor contributing to the overall decline in academic standards. Many institutions have opted to treat Sanskrit as an optional subject, which diminishes its importance in the curriculum.
Cultural Disconnect
Sanskrit is not just a language; it is a vessel of culture and tradition. A lack of understanding of Sanskrit can create a disconnect between students and the rich cultural heritage of Ayurveda.
How to fix this at classromm?
✅ Teach medical Sanskrit first
✅ Mandate interactive learning
✅ Hold teachers accountable
Recommendations for improvement at Ministry level
Integrating Sanskrit based on what Ayurveda needs into the curriculum
To address these challenges, Ayurvedic educational institutions should prioritise the integration of Ayurveda-based Sanskrit into their curricula. This can be achieved by offering comprehensive courses that focus on both the language and its application in understanding Ayurvedic texts.
Encouraging practical application of sanskrit grammar
In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical application of Sanskrit in clinical settings should be encouraged. This could involve using Sanskrit terminology in case studies, discussions, and practical training, thereby reinforcing its relevance in real-world scenarios.
New research confirms what every BAMS student knows: Sanskrit pedagogy is broken (Challenges in Teaching Sanskrit in Modern Education Systems).
Inadequate teaching of Sanskrit significantly hampers the education of Ayurveda students, affecting their ability to comprehend and apply Ayurvedic principles effectively. Addressing the current inadequacies in teaching can lead to improved comprehension, better patient care, and a more profound connection to the cultural heritage of Ayurveda.
Your Turn:
#AyurvedaEducation #SanskritStruggles #MedicalTraining
Samskrtam / Sanskrit | Indian Knowledge Systems |
1moसम्यक् भणितम्। आयुर्वेदग्रन्थाः संस्कृतेन प्रणीताः सन्ति। तथापि आयुर्वेदच्छात्राः संस्कृतज्ञानं विना भिषजः भवन्ति। अस्मात् आश्चर्यं नास्ति अन्यत्।
This is a rather crucial point. In addition to separating students from the real meaning of Ayurveda, memorisation without comprehension runs the risk of diminishing the breadth of its clinical knowledge. Because understanding, not memorisation, is the essence of Ayurveda, medical Sanskrit should be taught as a living, working language rather than merely recited.
Ayurveda Doctor at Traya | Specialist in Hair Health & Holistic Healing
2moSo true. In first year, I used to memorize shlokas without even knowing what they meant. I only started understanding them much later on my own. I wish we were taught to read and think in Sanskrit, not just translate. Ayurveda is so much deeper than what we were made to see in first year.
Founder at Créolemagik Ayurvedic Botanique & Créolemagik Publishing - Entrepreneur - Author - Journalist - Researcher - RET Founder & Private Teacher-Tutor at The Jefferson Academy
2moThis is a very insightful post. The reason being, I kept receiving A's in my Sanskrit book knowledge classes, my brain continued to pick up the rhythm and to connect the concepts. However, I wasn't able to understand spoken word by just hearing another speak. My first language is English. I'm not sure if that was the 🚧 in getting past the hump? I suppose this will take more "clarity" by engaging in an environment that uses conversational terms in an everyday setting? ... Let me restate that. I could not pronounce the words . My brain wanted to switch to English grammar rules. Anyway, it's something I definitely have to get over. Nevertheless, I really appreciate this article.
Commercial Manager @ Afrigas (SL) Ltd
2moSanskrit should be taught from school as a compulsory language.