<p>The traditional Indian method of learning Sanskrit is through oral transmission, memorizing texts first and then learning the meaning. The western academic approach methodically teaches the alphabet, declensions, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary building.<i>Yogavataranam</i>, a new Sanskrit textbook, integrates the traditional and academic approaches for a full and practical study experience.<br><i>Yogavataranam</i> approaches language systematically while at the same time allowing students to read important and relevant texts as soon as possible, while emphasizing proper pronunciation through its audio accompaniment. The first section teaches reading and basic grammar. The second covers more extensive grammar. By the third section the student can begin to read and understand even more complex texts such as the<i>Upanisads</i>. <br><i>Yogavataranam</i> includes: <br>Step-by-step instructions on how to correctly write the alphabet<br>Guides to pronunciation<br>Exercises throughout the chapter along with review exercises for each chapter<br>Sidebars on Indian philosophy, culture, etymology and more<br>Vocabulary building based on important texts<br>Consideration of translating techniques and challenges<br>An extensive glossary of terms<br>Original translations of passages from central texts such as the Yogasutra, Bhagavadgita, Hathapradipika, and various<i>Upanisads</i><br>Web-based audio files which accompany each chapter to teach proper pronunciation<br><i></i><br><i><br>Yogavataranam</i> is appropriate for all levels of study, whether a student is brand new to Sanskrit or already has experience in pronunciation, reading<i>devanagari</i> script, interpreting meaning and studying grammar--and whether the class is academic or based in a yoga course. This new approach conjoins theory and practice to invoke an active experience of the philosophy, the practice and the culture, that together inform the multiplicity of meaning contained within that single and powerful word 'yoga.'</p>