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Significance of Pali language

The Pali language is significant in the context of Theravada Buddhism as it is the language in which many foundational Buddhist texts, including the Theravada Vinaya Pitaka and the Pali Tipitaka, were written. It is considered sacred and serves as the liturgical language of Theravada practices, preserving a vast body of Buddhist literature. Pali is recognized as a Middle Indo-Aryan language, closely related to Sanskrit, and was historically used by the Buddha to communicate teachings effectively to the populace.1
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Synonyms: Pali, Prakrit, Ancient language, Theravada, Middle indo-aryan, Ancient indian language

In Dutch: Pali-taal; In Finnish: Palin kieli; In Spanish: Lengua pali; In German: Pali-Sprache; In Malay: Bahasa Pali; In Swedish: Pali språk; In French: Langue 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 language'

Buddhism Books

Pali language is a Middle Indo-Aryan tongue, deemed sacred in Theravada Buddhism, serving as the liturgical language that preserves key Buddhist scriptures and teachings, closely related to Mixed Sanskrit and utilized by scholars and clergy.

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

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, often used in scriptures, suttas, and religious texts.[1] (2) The traditional liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, in which many terms of the text are presented.[2]

From: Cetasikas

(1) The ancient language of the Buddhist scriptures, especially within the Theravada tradition.[3]

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) The traditional language of Theravada Buddhism that the Great Monastery aimed to rehabilitate to compete with Sanskrit.[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).

Hindu concept of 'Pali language'

Hinduism Books

Pali in Hinduism is an ancient language associated with the Theravada Vinaya, integral for early Buddhist texts and narratives like Ambapali, and fully encompasses the Theravada Vinaya Pitaka.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) The ancient language in which the Theravada Vinaya is written, serving as one of the sources for this study.[5] (2) The language in which the Theravada Vinaya Pitaka exists fully.[6]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) The language in which early Buddhist texts were composed, including the story of Ambapali.[7]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

The concept of Pali language in local and regional sources

History Books

The Pali language is the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, important for early Buddhist scriptures, closely related to Magadhi Prakrit, and a significant influence on Burmese language, facilitating the spread of Buddha's teachings.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The ancient language in which Buddha preached, allowing his ideas to spread widely and be understood by the masses.[8] (2) An ancient language of the Indian subcontinent that is closely related to Sanskrit and used in many Buddhist texts.[9] (3) The first descendant of Sanskrit, historically used by the Buddha for his teachings, lacking regional associations unlike other languages.[10] (4) A language closely related to the Magadhi Prakrit spoken by Buddha, which became the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism and the basis for many early Buddhist texts.[11] (5) The liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, highlighted in the works of Sir Mutu Coomaraswamy.[12]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is the language in which the Bhesajjamanjusa was written, and also the language of the primary texts used to outline the main elements of the medical conception of ancient Buddhism.[13]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the vernacular of the time of Buddha, and this is how the Buddhistic literature came to be written, because the master wanted to teach in the language of the people.[14]