This article is part of our special edition «Buddhist Education in Latin America and Spain»
The Dharma-Gaia Foundation, in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, is pleased to announce the opening of registrations for the course «Introduction to Pali Language and Literature: Advanced Syntax and Commentarial Literature» (Pali IV). With this course, we reach the fourth level of our comprehensive Pali language study program, continuing from previous courses: «Introduction to Pali Language and Literature —the language of the primordial Buddhist texts» ("Pali I"), «Introduction to Pali Language and Literature. Advanced Concepts» ("Pali II"), and «Introduction to Pali Language and Literature: Deepening in Syntax and Text Reading» ("Pali III").
Course Content
This fourth level expands on the themes and content of the previous introductory and intermediate courses. While it represents an academic continuation, this new course is independent in terms of enrollment. It is not essential to have completed the previous modules to register, but prior knowledge of Pali is recommended to follow it adequately.
Under the direction of Professor Aleix Ruiz Falqués, students will focus on advanced concepts of nominal syntax, delving especially into case syntax, and will address a section dedicated to syntax of verb tenses. Along with morphology, different conjugations and the derivation of roots in personal and impersonal verbs will be introduced. For the first time, notions of historical linguistics applied to the analysis of Pali.
In terms of reading, students will be introduced to the scholastic style of commentaries (aṭṭhakathā), differentiating it from canonical Pali. The study of this commentarial literature is fundamental, as it provides the indispensable hermeneutical keys to understanding the traditional interpretation of the Buddhist canon in the Asian context.
The ultimate goal of the course is for students to begin their transition towards an advanced philological training, with the ability to analyze complex syntactic constructions and to approach the reading of both canonical and scholastic texts with greater autonomy.
Course Objectives:
Advanced Case Syntax: in-depth study of the declension system and the functions of each case, with practical examples.
Historical Syntax of Tenses and Moods: understanding the differences in the use of verb tenses in complex sentences.
Verbal Root (dhātu): mastery of the seven-conjugation system based on roots and suffixes.
The Origin of Commentaries: identification of the main features of the scholastic style of exegetical literature in Pali.
Reading Scholastic Texts: methodology for reading Buddhaghosa's works, with notes on the stylistic peculiarities of this late form of Pali.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the main characteristics of the scholastic style in Pali exegetical literature.
- Apply basic knowledge of nominal and verbal morphology to concepts in historical linguistics and stylistics.
- Relate advanced knowledge of nominal and verbal syntax to professional-level translation strategies, including the ability to translate hermeneutical texts (commentaries).
Course Details:
Credits: 4 ECTS (100 total hours: 25 h. virtual instruction + 2 h. assessment + 73 h. independent study)
Duration: September 4 to December 18, 2026
Modality: Fully online (synchronous virtual instruction)
Schedule: Fridays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Barcelona time, Spain)
Recordings: All sessions will be recorded and available for deferred viewing
Available spots: Minimum 10 / Maximum 15 spots, strictly by order of registration
Orientation: Professional
Language of instruction: Spanish (100%)
Tuition: 120 € (30 € per credit), includes access to materials, recordings, and additional resources
Registration form: Course in Introduction to Pali Language and Literature: Advanced Syntax and Commentary Literature (Level 4) - UAB Barcelona
Admission Requirements:
Participants must have completed secondary education and have a prior knowledge of the Pali language that allows them to follow the course content. It is recommended to have completed Pali I and II, or to possess equivalent knowledge. There are no additional admission requirements: enrollment is direct until available places are filled.
Certification:
Upon completion of the course, a certificate of achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the program, endorsed by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, which can be a valuable addition to their academic and professional CV. The cost of this certificate is not included in the tuition fee.
Why study Pali?
Pali is an Indo-Aryan language that has conveyed the Buddhist texts of the Theravada tradition for over two thousand years. The canonical texts in Pali are the most complete document of ancient Buddhist literature written in an Indian language, likely a dialect identical or very close to that used by the historical Buddha himself.
The elementary study of the Pali language provides students with the unique ability to read certain canonical texts without relying on translations or external commentaries, thus granting them direct access to the primary sources of Buddhist culture that permeates all of Asia. However, possessing this basic knowledge does not imply having achieved a high degree of philological mastery. This course is designed for students who already have a solid grammatical foundation to begin their transition towards advanced training.
This course is ideal for:
This course is for anyone interested in:
- Indian language and literature (classical)
- Indian philosophy
- Eastern religion
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Linguistics
- Cultural History of India
Career opportunities:
Students who complete this program will have the opportunity to pursue academic teaching and research in Asian studies, work in the translation and interpretation of classical languages such as Pali, offer cultural consulting to organizations operating in areas related to Asian cultures, and collaborate with museums and archives that hold collections of Asian art and literature.
About the instructor
Aleix Ruiz Falqués holds a PhD in South Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge and has a distinguished academic career in the field of Pali language and literature. His background includes Sanskrit studies at the University of Pune and a doctorate specializing in the Pali grammatical tradition of Burma, which provides him with a unique and profound perspective in this field. His pedagogical approach combines academic rigor with a deep appreciation for the Buddhist tradition, facilitating the understanding of Pali texts within their historical, literary, and philosophical context.
Among his most notable works is the translation from Pali to Spanish of the anthology In the Buddha's Words (Kairós, 2019), as well as the translation of The Last Days of the Buddha [Mahāparinibbānasutta], with Buddhaghosa's commentary (Madrid: Trotta, 2022). He recently published his translation of The Questions of King Milinda (Kairós). Furthermore, he has published numerous specialized articles on Pali studies in international academic journals. His work also includes the critical editing and translation of classical texts, and studies on Burmese Pali literature and its exegetical traditions.
Thanks to his profound knowledge of the Pali language and his experience as a translator and academic, Aleix is able to convey the philosophical, literary, and cultural nuances of the original texts. His solid background and prolific intellectual output guarantee course participants a rigorous, enriching, and deeply inspiring learning experience.
Scholarships and grants:
For those interested in exploring financial aid options, it is recommended to consult the information on scholarships and grants on the UAB's scholarships, grants, and calls page.
Personalized attention:
The course offers personalized support to help students in their learning process. Participants can contact the teaching staff to resolve queries and receive additional guidance during the course.
Contact:
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Phone: +34 93 586 8901
Email: gustavo.pita@uab.cat
About the organizing institutions:
The course is a result of the collaboration between the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), one of Europe's most prestigious universities, and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation, dedicated to the dissemination of Buddhism and the preservation of its cultural heritage. A framework cooperation agreement has been signed between both institutions since October 5, 2024.
We invite all interested parties to enroll in this course and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Pali. Don't miss this chance to learn from an expert and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Pali commentary literature!
We look forward to your participation in this journey of learning and discovery!
Links of interest:
Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of the Autonomous University of Barcelona
Articles published in Buddhistdoor en Español
«La situación de los estudios budistas en España: los programas docentes» by Juan Arnau Navarro, Montse Castellà Olivé, Francisco Díez de Velasco, Ricardo Guerrero Diáñez, Basili Llorca Martínez, Daniel Millet Gil, Agustín Pániker Vilaplana, Aleix Ruiz Falqués, Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú, Abraham Vélez de Cea.
«Presentación del libro En palabras del Buddha. Una antología de Discursos del canon pali, de Bhikkhu Bodhi» by Caridad Martin Nieto.
Other related articles published in Buddhistdoor en Español
«La expansión de los estudios budistas mediante el estudio del pali: entrevista con Aleix Ruiz Falqués» by Dipen Barua y Daniel Millet.
«El diamante de Dunhuang» by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
«De monjas libres y traductores infieles» by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
«Saraṇa Vihāra: un refugio en el macizo del Montseny» by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
Key Publications in Spanish-Speaking Buddhist Studies
Estudios Budistas en América Latina y España (Volumen I), edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú. This first volume brings together a series of essays exploring the relationship between Buddhism and Hispanic American culture, addressing topics such as the reception of Buddhism in Latin America and Spain, translations of Buddhist texts into Spanish, and the impact of Buddhism on contemporary societies.
Estudios Budistas en América Latina y España (Volumen II), edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú. The second volume expands on the first, including contributions that analyze Buddhism from interdisciplinary and regional perspectives, with an emphasis on its interaction with local cultural traditions and its impact on academia.
Both volumes are available in PDF format and can be downloaded for free via the following links first volume and second volume
