PGDP_04_II_2021.4.28_Origin_and_Home_of_Pali

Introduction to Pali Literature

  • Definition of Pali:

    • The term Pālibhāsā refers to the Pali language.

    • It is a comparatively modern term whose precise origin is debated.

    • Historical use of the term Pali was predominantly for original Buddhist texts rather than a designated language.

Historical Context

  • Early Usage of Pali:

    • Up to the 6th or 7th century A.D., Pali was not widely recognized as a language term.

    • In the Cūlavamsa, Pali is distinguished from commentaries, indicating it referred specifically to canonical texts.

  • Commentaries of Buddhaghosa:

    • Earliest occurrences of the term Pali can be traced back to the works of Buddhaghosa.

    • He used Pali as a synonym for original texts and later distinguished it from commentaries and various interpretations.

Evolution of the Term

  • Transition from Text to Language:

    • As the term gained currency, it began to denote the language of the texts.

    • Commentators sought to associate Pali with the Māgadhī idiom, which they considered the primary language of all.

  • Māgadhi as Mūlabhāsā:

    • The Māgadhi language was praised and claimed to be the foundational language of mankind by some Buddhist commentators.

    • Discussions of language origins have led to misconceptions about Pali's relationship to other dialects, such as Sinhalese.

Distinction Between Languages

  • Myths Around Māgadhi:

    • Claims that Māgadhi was solely the language of Buddha are seen as later fabrications, with no substantial evidence in earlier Buddhist writings.

    • Buddha's methods and teachings likely encompassed various speech forms and dialects rather than being limited to one language.

Interpretations of Key Texts

  • Chandasa vs. Sakāyanirutti:

    • The Buddha emphasized using a local dialect (sakāyanirutti) over the archaic Vedic language (chandasa) for teachings.

    • Buddhaghosa interpreted chandasa as language rather than an appropriate medium for instruction.

  • Vinaya Pitaka Insights:

    • In canonical texts, Buddha discouraged bhikkhus from presenting his words in the Vedic language, promoting clarity in local dialects instead.

Linguistic Terminology in Buddhist Texts

  • Understanding Nirutti:

    • Nirutti suggests a linguistic mode of thought or expression rather than referring strictly to a language.

    • Contextually, Buddha's intent was to avoid rigid adherence to archaic languages or dialects.

Concluding Remarks

  • Pali Language as a Distinct Vehicle:

    • The Pali language emerged as a standardized mode of expression within the Theravada Buddhist canon and its literature.

    • It remains prominent in regions such as Ceylon, Burma, and Siam, encapsulating the teachings of Buddhism across different cultures.