Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest languages, holds a unique and revered place in both Hinduism and Buddhism. As a classical and liturgical language, Sanskrit has been the medium through which sacred texts, rituals, and philosophical traditions have been preserved and transmitted for thousands of years.

Despite their differing theological perspectives, both Hindu and Buddhist traditions have relied on Sanskrit to articulate spiritual teachings, shaping the religious and cultural landscape of South Asia and beyond.

Sanskrit in Hinduism

1. The Language of the Vedas

Hinduism's earliest scriptures, the Vedas, are composed in Vedic Sanskrit, an ancient form of the language distinct from Classical Sanskrit. The four Vedas—Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—are considered the foundational texts of Hindu spiritual and ritual life. These texts, preserved through oral tradition, are recited in precise phonetic patterns, believed to invoke divine energies.

2. The Upanishads and Philosophical Texts

The Upanishads, composed in Sanskrit, form the philosophical backbone of Hindu thought. They explore profound spiritual concepts such as Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (soul), and Moksha (liberation). Sanskrit’s grammatical structure and depth allow for nuanced discussions on metaphysical and theological subjects.

3. Epics and Puranas

Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are written in Sanskrit. The Bhagavad Gita, a key scripture within the Mahabharata, is a profound dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, elucidating concepts of duty, devotion, and self-realization. Similarly, the Puranas, a vast collection of mythological and historical narratives, use Sanskrit to convey complex theological and cosmological ideas.

4. Sanskrit in Rituals and Worship

Hindu religious rituals, including yajnas (fire sacrifices), mantra chanting, and temple worship, predominantly use Sanskrit. Priests recite Sanskrit mantras during ceremonies, believing that the vibrational quality of these sacred sounds facilitates spiritual transformation. Many Hindu temples inscribe Sanskrit verses on their walls, emphasizing the sanctity of the language.

Sanskrit in Buddhism

1. Early Buddhist Texts

Although the Buddha himself likely taught in Prakrit, Sanskrit played an essential role in later Buddhist traditions. Many early Buddhist texts, particularly those of the Mahayana tradition, were written in Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, a linguistic blend of Sanskrit and Prakrit elements. The Sanskrit Sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Pundarika Sutra) and the Prajnaparamita Sutras, became foundational to Mahayana philosophy.

2. The Spread of Sanskrit Buddhist Texts

Sanskrit Buddhist texts spread widely across Asia, influencing Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese Buddhism. Many of these texts were translated into classical Chinese and Tibetan, forming the basis for the Buddhist canons in those languages. Renowned Buddhist scholars such as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and Asanga composed their treatises in Sanskrit, shaping Buddhist philosophy for centuries.

3. Buddhist Mantras and Practices

Sanskrit mantras hold great importance in Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism. Powerful mantras like “Om Mani Padme Hum” (associated with Avalokiteshvara) and “Tadyatha Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha” (a healing mantra of the Medicine Buddha) are chanted by practitioners worldwide. Sanskrit's phonetic precision is believed to enhance the spiritual efficacy of these sacred sounds.

4. Sanskrit in Buddhist Monastic Education

Historically, Buddhist monastic institutions such as Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri taught Sanskrit Buddhist texts to monks and scholars. These institutions played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Sanskrit Buddhist knowledge throughout Asia.

Comparative Analysis: Sanskrit in Hinduism and Buddhism

Conclusion

Sanskrit has played an indispensable role in shaping both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. While Hinduism considers Sanskrit the eternal language of the gods (Devavani), Buddhism embraced it as a vehicle for preserving and spreading the Dharma.

Despite the rise of vernacular languages, Sanskrit continues to be revered in religious chanting, scholarship, and temple rituals across Hindu and Buddhist communities. Its legacy endures as a bridge between these two great traditions, embodying their spiritual wisdom and philosophical depth.