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Basic question about Pali

NcryptoNcrypto
edited February 2010 in Buddhism Basics
When you begin to learn Pali, does the script you use depend on the denomination you belong to? I'm guessing if you're a Theravada Buddhist, you learn the Sinhalese script. Apart from Sinhalese, which are the most common scripts in use today among Buddhist communities for reading Pali?

Comments

  • nibbutinibbuti
    edited February 2010
    Hi Ncrypto

    It seems that Sinhalese is only common with some monastic schedules in Sri Lanka and some other countries.

    In general, however, the Roman script is used for Pali scholarship, and English (or native) Sutta translations are entirely sufficient for practise, independent of your denomination.

    With metta.
  • NcryptoNcrypto
    edited February 2010
    Thanks for the information thecap. My concern is that unless the suttas are read in their original language, it is easy to create misunderstandings. For example regarding the doctrine of karma, which I suspect has not been transmitted properly into other languages. Also some words might not have a direct equivalent in English. Do you have any book recommendations for learning Pali as a complete beginner?
  • nibbutinibbuti
    edited February 2010
    You're welcome Ncrypto.

    Don't worry, Pali is not the original dialect that the Buddha spoke anyway. It`s close to it, but even the Prakrit of the Jain Canon is said to be closer. Thus one shouldn't mistake Pali or Sinhalese for some "holy" language, as it is the case with Hindus and Sanskrit. There is danger in taking it too literal while focussing on the details.

    Pali suttas have been cross-compared with equivalent Mahayana sutras. And after over 2000 years, the authenticity of most-but-not-all Pali suttas seems to be verified. However, the Buddha said that the Dhamma can be transmitted in any language. And the ultimate verification is practise.

    It can be good for practise if one looks up the Pali terms though. Especially with some halfhearted native translations out there. For this purpose, the Roman script is all one needs. That is my impression anyway. Of course, regardless, you can still learn Sinhalese or Thai script and get something out of it.

    Take care
  • nibbutinibbuti
    edited February 2010
    Ncrypto wrote: »
    Do you have any book recommendations for learning Pali as a complete beginner?
    Hi Ncrypto

    This should be a good start: http://pali.nibbanam.com/immerse.htm

    :smilec:
  • NcryptoNcrypto
    edited February 2010
    Many thanks. That looks like good advice!
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