An Introduction to Pali

Come spend some time this summer with an introduction to Pali, the language in which the texts of early Buddhism are recorded. Pali, part of the Indic family of languages, is based upon the vernacular languages of northern India used at the time of the Buddha. By learning the basics of Pali grammar and vocabulary, students can begin to engage directly with the Buddha’s teachings, leading them to understand the thought world in which the Buddha lived with a richness that cannot be captured in translation. No prior knowledge of Pali is required. The course will start with the basics, showing students how the alphabet is organized and how to find words in a dictionary. Basic grammar will be covered in depth. Students will begin to read passages of the Pali canon themselves.