This book is intended for modern students, inside or outside the classroom, as a work of reference rather than a ‘teach yourself’ textbook. It presents an introductory sketch of Pali using both European and South Asian grammatical categories. In English language works, Pali is standardly presented in the traditional terms of English grammar, derived from the classical tradition, with which many modern students are unfamiliar. This work discusses and reflects upon those categories, and has an appendix devoted to them. It also introduces the main categories of traditional Sanskrit and Pali grammar, drawing on, in particular, the medieval Pali text Saddaniti, by Aggavamsa. Each grammatical form is illustrated by examples taken from Pali texts, mostly canonical. Although some previous knowledge of Sanskrit would be helpful, the book can also be used by those without previous linguistic training. A bibliographical appendix refers to other, complementary resources.

The grammar presents a full decription of Pali, the language used in the Theravada Buddhist canon, which is still alive in Ceylon and South-East Asia. The development of its phonological and morphological systems is traced in detail from Old Indic. Comprehensive references to comparable features and phenomena from other Middle Indic languages mean that this grammar can also be used to study the literature of Jainism.

This book is intended and serve as an introduction to the reading of Pali texts. For that purpose, it uses authentic readings especially compiled for the purpose drawn largely from Theravada canonical works, both prose and poetry. The reading are in Roman script, and carefully graded for difficulty, but they have also been selected so that each of them is a meaningful and complete reading in itself, so as to introduce some basic concepts and ways of thought of Theravada Buddhism. This book thus offers and opportunity to become acquainted with the ways in which the teachings of the Buddha are embodied in the language, a sense that it impossible to determine from English translations. The book contains 12 lessons. Each of them has three parts: (1) a set of basic readings and an accompanying glossary, (2) grammatical notes on the forms in the less, and (3) a set of further readings with its own glossary. The further readings introduce no new grammatical points, but reinforce ones already presented and give further practice in them. The work concludes, fittingly, with the Buddhaês first sermon, The Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta. A cumulative glossary and index to the grammar is also provided. The text has been used successfully in its preliminary form at several universities, but it may also be used for self-study.

Pali is one of the Middle Indian idioms and the classical language of Theravada Buddhism. It is therefore important both to linguists and students of Buddhism. This introductory book centres on a collection of original texts, each selected as an especially important and beautiful formulation of a Buddhist idea. By means of a vocabulary, translation and commentary, each text is explained so concretely that it can be read with little preparation. Detailed explanations are provided for the many technical terms, which have frustrated so many western explorers of Buddhism. For reference, a grammar is provided. Sanskrit parallels to many of the words are given, as well as a special chapter comparing the two languages.

Pali is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was spoken by the historical Buddha and it is considered to be the sacred language of Buddhism. This handbook has prepared the complete ancient grammatical text of a language that has been used for centuries into a format that is accessible to contemporary readers. The Roman and Devanagari scripts are used for the main body of the text with its Sutta (short grammatical rules) also shown in Thai, Sinhalese, and Myanmar scripts. Thus, it will not only provide invaluable insight into the structure of an ancient grammar and its unique contents, but will also further make the study of Pali accessible to students from various language backgrounds. Also included are details of a system of how verbs are formed and a brief study guide in the introduction of the book.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1863.

Kaccayana Pali Vyakaranam is the earliest-know ancient text of Pali grammar. It is indispensable for anyone who wants to study Pali, the historical Buddha's spoken language which is also the sacred language of Buddhism. This book offers a comprehensive translation of the ancient grammatical text along with simple explanations of the necessary details. This volume supports any serious student of Pali who wishes to build a firm grammatical foundation upon which one may gradually develop the necessary linguistic skills, and eventually master the Pali language. This book consists of the eight chapters found in the original pali text complemented by an introduction, footnotes and appendices. All brief grammatical rule called Sutras are shown in both Devanagari and Romanized Pali along with applicable example words, non-applicable examples, and split-Sutra functions. Detailed meanings and relevant examples regarding the Pali prefixes are also explained. Also included are details of a system of how verbs are formed. To make the study of Pali more accessible, a brief study-guide is also included in the introduction of the book.