Introduction to Sanskrit. Elementary Level 1 (ISEL1)
Starts January 17th, 2026
Sundays, between 2-4 pm EST Zoom
Contact Nona to register and with questions Nona@WellYoga.net
This online course offers an accessible, user-friendly introduction to the Sanskrit language—intended especially for yoga teachers and practitioners. In this first round of Sanskrit studies, you will become acquainted with the Devanāgarī script and its Roman transliteration; you will learn proper pronunciation and basic grammar, focusing on yogic terminology, āsana names, sūtras, and ślokas. Yoga teacher and educator Nona Mileva will lead you on an exciting journey of exploring the fascinating history, theory, and practice of one of the world's most ancient, sacred, and continuously used languages.
The Course Textbook you will be using is The Cambridge Introduction to Sanskrit (Cambridge University Press) by A.M. Ruppel. For each chapter, there is an accompanying YouTube video, the direct link to which will be included in the monthly emails. Information about purchasing the textbook, as well as additional resources will also be sent to you upon signing up.
The course will run through December 2026, featuring monthly (occasional bi-monthly) svādhyāya gatherings on Sundays, between 2-4 pm EST Zoom. The pace should allow you to understand, digest and apply new material before going on to the next topic. You will be able to learn from the convenience of your own home in a stress free, interactive way, surrounded by a group of likeminded people. Sanskrit is not easy, it takes patience and diligence. It is also one of the most beautiful, fulfilling spiritual practices of jṅāna yoga.
In this Level 1 , the curriculum is based on the textbook’s Chapters 1-12. Upon completion of Level 1, you can continue your studies by enrolling for ISEL2 ( Chapter 13-24) and ISEL3 ( Chapter 25-40) . Upon completion of all 3 levels you will be prepared to advance to Intermediate level studies ( reading and translation from variety of Sanskrit textual genres.)
Introduction to Sanskrit Level 1 does not require any prior language training. If you are new to linguistic studies or Sanskrit, or would like to simply refresh your memory and polish your Sanskrit skills - this course is for you.
The course is free, anyone interested can join. Those who have the means and the inclination are welcome, in accordance with dharma and tradition, to make a donation or offer honorarium of their choice.
For more information or to enroll, please send an email to Nona@WellYoga.net
About the instructor: Nona Mileva PhD, C-IAYT ; E-RYT 500, YACEP is a Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach, a Clinical Yoga Therapist, student and educator of the philosophy, history and psychology of Yoga and Sanskrit.
She holds a Diploma in Classical Languages and Cultures; MA in Slavic Philology, MSc in Transpersonal Psychology and Theories of Consciousness, PhD in Health Psychology (focus on the therapeutic modalities of Yoga as a method for psycho-somatic self-regulation, health and wellbeing).
Nona’s linguistic background includes studies in Latin and Ancient Greek, Slavic languages, English and French. She began learning Sanskrit as a self-study practice and then trained with Classical languages and Sanskrit specialist Prof. Antonia Ruppel. After successfully completing a variety of Sanskrit Elementary and Intermediate Levels courses , Nona continues her active participation in Sanskrit and Yoga Philosophy study groups with renown teachers and Sanskritists like Prof. Edwin Bryant and Dr. Chris Wallis . She is also currently enrolled in Advanced Certification in Sanskrit Program, under the supervision Dr. Ruppel.
Introduction to Sanskrit. Elementary Level 1 w/ Nona Mileva | Jan-Dec, 2026
