The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is pleased to announce the course "Introduction to Pali Language and Literature". This course, developed at the initiative of and in collaboration with the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG), is aimed at all those interested in exploring and deepening their knowledge of this classical language, fundamental for the study of ancient Buddhist texts. The course will be taught by Professor Aleix Ruiz Falqués, PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge. The Autonomous University of Barcelona has been recognized as the best Spanish university in the QS World University Rankings 2024. All lecture sessions will be recorded so that students can view them during the course.
Course content:
In this course, we will explore the Pali language, used in early Buddhist texts, including the renowned discourses of the Buddha and ancient treatises on Buddhist ethics and meditation. The teaching of the course, conducted through synchronous online classes, combines the study of grammar and the reading of translations. The Pali Canon represents one of the most complete sources of the Buddha's teachings. Through this course, we will also immerse ourselves in the original Buddhist texts by learning the Pali language. Classes will include exercises that will address fundamental aspects of Buddhism.
Language and scope:
It is taught in Spanish and is aimed at students and the general public who are highly interested in the subject.
Duration:
The course will have a duration of 25 teaching hours, equivalent to 4 ECTS credits. There will be 2 hours of class per week through the virtual campus spread over two days.
Dates and schedule:
The course will be held from October 1 to December 19, 2024, from 17:00 to 18:00 pm (Spanish time), coinciding with the morning in Latin America, which facilitates the participation of students from this region.
Location and format: virtual campus
The format of the course is virtual and, as indicated above, consists of two videoconference sessions per week, each lasting one hour. In order to offer the greatest possible flexibility, classes will be available on a deferred basis, allowing participants to access the content at the time that is most convenient for them.
Enrollment:
The course offers a limited number of 50 places, to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The registration fee is 120 €.
Admission requirement:
The only requirement for admission to the course is to have passed the secondary school level.
Certifications
A certificate of achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.
Academic direction:
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Daniel Millet Gil
About the instructor:
Aleix Ruiz Falqués has an exceptional academic background. In addition to his PhD in Asian Studies from Cambridge University, he has studied Sanskrit at the University of Pune and has completed a PhD in the Pali grammatical tradition of Burma. His in-depth knowledge and experience ensure expert guidance throughout the course.
Importanceof the Pali Canon
The Buddhist canon in the Pali language is one of the most complete sources of the Buddha's teachings. In this large collection we find discourses and dialogues of the Buddha, preserved since ancient times in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries such as Burma and Thailand. In these countries, Theravāda Buddhism is still studied and practiced, the only school of ancient Buddhism that preserves the teachings of the Buddha in a language, Pali, which was very possibly the language of the Buddha or, in any case, a dialect very close to the dialect or dialects spoken by the historical Buddha in northeastern India, around the 5th century BC.
Course objectives
In this course we will approach the primordial Buddhist texts through the learning of the Pali language, with basic grammar exercises and practices that will be oriented, in a very direct way, to the possibility of reading prose and canonical verse. The course consists of language lessons with exercises that deal with basic Buddhist themes. This means that through words, concepts and formulas that we will be analyzing, we will learn first hand the fundamental ideas of ancient or primordial Buddhism, that is, the Buddhism of the first schools, between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC.
The aim of the course is to understand how the Pali sentence works and how to use reference works, both in print and online, be they grammars, electronic texts or dictionaries. This course is ideal for anyone who has a genuine interest in the original sources of Buddhism, to learn what the most ancient texts of this great cultural tradition tell us. Whether they are meditators who want to delve deeper into the texts, or people with philosophical, historical or literary inclinations, this course will give them direct access to the word of Gotama Buddha.
Course contents
Introduction to the Pali language
Pali terminology
Pali grammar
Overview of Pali literature
Reading texts
Registration:
Find here the link to the registration form: registration form
Responsible center:
Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
Course information and contact person:
For more information, please visit the course website or contact the contact person at
Contact person:
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Email: gustavo.pita@uab.cat
Phone: +34 93 586 8901
Additional information
Specialization course UAB
1st edition
Credits: 4 ECTS
We invite all interested parties to enroll in this course and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to enrich your knowledge and understanding of Pali. Whether you are a student of Asian studies, a practitioner of Buddhism, or simply someone with a deep interest in ancient languages and cultures, this course will offer you a unique and valuable educational experience.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Pali! Sign up now and start your journey of discovery and learning.
Links of interest:
Faculty of Translation and Interpreting of the Autonomous University of Barcelona
Articles published in Buddhistdoor in English
"The situation of Buddhist studies in Spain: teaching programs" 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.
Presentation of the book "In the Words of the Buddha. An anthology of Discourses of the Pali Canon, by Bhikkhu Bodhi" by Caridad Martin Nieto.
Other related articles published in Buddhistdoor in English
"The expansion of Buddhist studies through the study of Pali: interview with Aleix Ruiz Falqués" by Dipen Barua and Daniel Millet.
"The Diamond of Dunhuang" by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
"Of free nuns and unfaithful translators" by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
"Saraṇa Vihāra: a refuge in the Montseny massif " by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués.
