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Significance of Pali

Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language primarily associated with Buddhist texts and literature. It serves as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, containing significant scriptures such as the Jataka tales and the Udana. The language is fundamental for translating important Buddhist commentaries, bridging original teachings and contemporary understanding. Additionally, Pali is used to articulate experiences and narratives within the Mahayana tradition. Its rich textual heritage is crucial for scholars and practitioners of Dhamma.1
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Synonyms: Middle indo-aryan

In Dutch: Pali; In Finnish: Pali; In Spanish: Pali

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Pali'

Buddhism Books

Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language crucial in Buddhism, serving as the scriptural language for early texts, a liturgical medium in Theravada, and significant for teaching and understanding Dhamma alongside key Buddhist narratives.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) The language in which the presumed original manual was written, which is now only extant through translations.[1]

From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)

(1) The language in which Buddhaghosa translated the Atthakathas, representing a crucial bridge between Sinhalese commentary and the original teachings of Buddhism.[2]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) A Middle Indo-Aryan language in which the text has been translated and serves as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism.[3]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The language in which many Buddhist scriptures, including the Udana, are written.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) One of the languages in which significant texts featuring Mandhatar are written, including Jataka tales.[5] (2) The language in which the assertion regarding Mahakashyapa鈥檚 experience is worded.[6] (3) The liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, in which references to Nitha, such as the name Sunita, can be found.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

The concept of Pali in local and regional sources

History Books

Pali is a language influential in Garga鈥檚 chapter on human marks and serves as the written language for the Pali Canon, showcasing its significance in religious and literary contexts within regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Pali is a language which has a strong resemblance to Bengali, and it should be a model for the Bengali language.[8] (2) This is the language in which historical inscriptions were written, enabling the ability to read and interpret the ancient texts.[9]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Pali is a language that Garga鈥檚 chapter on the human marks shows influence from, and also a language that the Pali Canon is written in.[10]