Pali Language

The Buddhist canonical texts of the Theravada tradition, esteemed as the oldest extant complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, are preserved in the Pali language. While not a direct derivative of Sanskrit, Pali exhibits discernible linguistic affinities. Its origins lie in the Prakrits, the vernacular languages prevalent in Northern India during the middle phase of Indian linguistic evolution. The Buddha utilized Pali for his teachings, as it was the vernacular of the populace in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. The Dhamma, initially transmitted orally in Pali, was subsequently recorded in the Pali Canon in Sri Lanka, where Theravada Buddhism took root and Pali attained the status of a sacred language. With the propagation of Theravada Buddhism to other regions of Asia, the employment of Pali as the language of its scriptural texts expanded commensurately. Consequently, Pali became a sacred language not only in Sri Lanka but also in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

This academic course has been meticulously designed to facilitate the acquisition of foundational Pali grammar and vocabulary. Furthermore, it aspires to equip learners with the ability to read and write in Pali prior to their engagement with the original Pali Suttas, or discourses.