The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the syntax and language style of the Pāli discourses and verses. Extracts from the prescribed texts will be set as exercises in comprehension and for translation into English. Selections: Majjhima Nikāya I, Sutta numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9 and 12. Samyutta Nikāya I, Devatā Samyutta.
During this course the students will be introduced to a larger variety of Buddhist texts, both prose and verse. The selections from the Dhammapada will cover a wide range of doctrinal matter. Selections from the Therā-Therī Gāthā are meant to be biographical studies. The Kosala Samyutta will introduce to the students the Buddha in contemporary society in conversation with kings and other leaders of society.
A study of Pāli Philology and Historical Grammar through the works of Wilhelm Geiger, K. R. Norman, Oscar von Hinüber and A. K. Warder is recommended. The connection of old Indo-aryan and middle Indo-aryan languages with Pāli will be examined.The historical development of Pāli grammar with special emphasis on traditional and analytical trend will also be examined.
The focus here is on the Sutta Nipāta which will give the students an insight into the life of the Buddha as a highly communicative teacher. Those in earnest quests for release picks up the message with equal ease and success: selections from Atthaka and Pārāyana vaggas. A few more samples will be introduced from the post-canonical works of a later date: selections from the Milindapañha, the Nettipakarana and the Petakopadesa.
Another eloquent introduction comes in the Dhammacetiya Sutta, MN, where King Pasenadī Kosala shows his deep sense of admiration and respect to the Buddha. The Kakacūpama Sutta, MN, introduces to the students a vibrant analysis of a very realistic segment of society. Selections from the Nidāna Samyutta and the Khandha Samyutta will-introduce to the students a wide range of fundamental doctrine.
The course consists of exercises in translation from Pāli texts, both prose and verse selected from the canonical and non-canonical Pāli literature, other than those prescribed under the previous courses.
The course consists of extracts for translation from Pāli texts, both prose and verse, and the exercises in compositions of short Pāli passages. In these exercises the students are expected to display their competence in Pāli grammar and syntax.
The Devanāgarī alphabets and script; sandhi (internal and external); numerals (cardinals and ordinals); the conjugational classes I, IV, VI and X of thematic verbs in the present indicative; vowel gradation; prefixes and suffixes; declensional cases of nouns and pronouns of the three genders with vowel and consonant endings; introduction to Sanskrit samāsa (compounds) - dvanda, tadpurusa, karmadhāraya, bahuvrīhi; substantives and adjectives; adverbs; relative pronouns and indeclinablāes; the past passive participles; ātmanepada verb forms; passive construction; the future tense; the infinit
This paper aims at familiarizing the students with (i) the different literary classes of Sanskrit Buddhist texts, (ii) the important legends, similes and stories, as well as doctrines and concepts - in their essential form - introduced in the Sanskrit Buddhist terms. Reliable English translations - particularly those whose originals form the prescribed texts for “Prescribed Texts I, II, III and IV” - will be used.
Conjugation of the athematic verb classes II, V and VIII; more declensional cases of nouns and pronouns of the three genders with vowel and consonant endings; the denominative; the imperfect tense; the conditional tense; the periphrastic future; the locative and genitive absolutes; the future passive participles (gerundive); the present participles; further forms of bahuvrīhi samāsa; the avyayībhāva samāsa; possessive and adjective suffixes; past active participles.