Sanskrit Grammar
This course should be attended in the first two years. Taught from the Hari-nāmāmṛta-vyākaraṇa, it involves learning by heart about one thousand short sūtras which cover all the main points of grammar. It also includes thorough explanation in the class of the sūtras’ meaning and application, and exercises for practice. On the average four sūtras are taught each day. By this traditional method of memorizing sūtras, a deeper command of the language is possible than with modern methods. A well-educated brāhmaṇa is called sūtra-kaṇṭhī, indicating that he has the knowledge he needs “on the tip of his tongue” (or more literally, “in his throat”).
New students are advised to avoid becoming “sūtra-crazy” and neglecting other studies, especially study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. For serious followers of Śrīla Prabhupāda, knowledge of Sanskrit grammar is only a tool for devotional study and preaching, not an end to itself. A balanced approach to the whole program will assure steady success, even if it comes a little slow.