Are you interested in Buddhism and want to deepen your knowledge of its original texts? From BDE, we invite you to participate in the online course "Introduction to Pali language and literature .Introduction to Pali language and literature. Advanced concepts"organized by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG). This unique program, taught in Spanish, will allow you to explore in depth the language in which the most ancient teachings of Buddhism were preserved, from the hand of an internationally recognized expert. Do not miss this opportunity for academic and spiritual learning!
The course will be given by Aleix Ruiz Falqués, PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge and widely recognized for his expertise in Pali language and literature. With a solid academic background and outstanding teaching skills, Aleix has established himself as an expert translator, with numerous publications that endorse his prestige in this field.
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, which has recently been recognized as the best university in Spain according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation, dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhism, guarantee a rigorous and accessible education.
COURSE DETAILS
Language: Spanish.
Dates: April 2 to June 30, 2025.
Duration: 25 teaching hours, equivalent to 4 ECTS credits.
Schedule: two weekly sessions of one hour each, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17:00 to 18:00 (Spanish time), a convenient time for students from Latin America.
Format: the course will be delivered entirely online, with live classes through the virtual campus. To ensure maximum flexibility, all sessions will be recorded and available in delayed format throughout the duration of the program, allowing participants to access the content at a time that best suits their needs.
Tuition: 120 € (includes access to materials and recordings).
Limited places: maximum 30 students, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Certification: participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of achievement endorsed by the UAB.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COURSE?
The course is designed to provide an advanced understanding of the Pali language and literature, combining theory and practice. Topics to be covered include:
- Advanced Pali grammar: analysis of complex structures and linguistic nuances.
- Reading and analysis of canonical texts: direct work with fragments of the Pali canon and traditional commentaries.
- Exploration of Buddhist concepts: philosophical, ethical and spiritual principles of early Buddhism.
- Practical tools: use of dictionaries, grammars and digital resources for self-study of Pali.
The focus of the course is designed for students with basic knowledge of Pali, although it is also accessible to anyone interested in exploring this classical language.
WHY STUDY PALI?
Pali is a key language for the study of Theravāda Buddhism, as it preserved the Pali canon, one of the oldest and most complete collections of teachings attributed to the Buddha. Learning Pali allows direct access to these fundamental texts, enriching one's understanding of their philosophical, ethical and spiritual principles.
This course is ideal for:
- Students and researchers interested in Buddhist, linguistic or Asian studies.
- Practitioners of meditation or Buddhism who wish to deepen their understanding of the original teachings.
- People curious about classical languages and their connection to philosophy and literature.
- Those seeking rigorous and accessible academic training in this ancient language.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
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 training includes Sanskrit studies at the University of Pune and a PhD specializing in the Pali grammatical tradition of Burma, which gives him a unique and rich perspective in this field. His pedagogical approach combines academic rigor with a deep appreciation for the Buddhist tradition, facilitating the understanding of Pali texts in their historical, literary and philosophical context.
Among his most outstanding works is the translation from Pali into Spanish of the anthology En palabras del Buddha ( Kairos, 2019), as well as the translation Los últimos días del Buddha [Mahāparinibbānasutta], with commentary by Buddhaghosa (Madrid: Trotta, 2022). His translation of The Questions to King Milinda ( Editorial Kairos) is forthcoming. In addition, he has published numerous articles specializing in Pali studies in international academic journals. His work also includes the edition and critical translation of classical texts, and studies on Burmese Pali literature and its exegetical traditions.
Thanks to his deep knowledge of the Pali language and his experience as a translator and scholar, 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 inspiring learning experience.
Academic direction:
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Daniel Millet Gil
HOW TO REGISTER?
Places are limited to 30 students, so we recommend that you register as soon as possible to secure your place.
To register or request more information, you can visit the official UAB course website at
Contact the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG): https://www.fundaciondharmagaia.com/
Write by e-mail to: info@fundaciondharmagaia.com
ABOUT THE ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS
The course is organized by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, in collaboration with the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG), dedicated to the dissemination of Buddhism and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
For more information about UAB, visit its official website: www.uab.es.
This course is a unique opportunity to delve into the Pali language and literature, taught by an internationally recognized expert and supported by prestigious institutions. Don't miss the opportunity to enroll and explore the most ancient teachings of Buddhism!
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.
"Experiences of Spanish-speaking students at the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong" from Buddhistdoor en Español.
"https://espanol.buddhistdoor.net/presentacion-del-libro-estudios-budistas-en-america-latina-y-espana-vol-i/"by Buddhistdoor in Spanish
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.
Key publications in Spanish-speaking Buddhist Studies
Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain (Volume I)edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú. This first volume brings together a series of essays that explore the relationship between Buddhism and Spanish 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 in contemporary societies.
Downloadable at: https://llibres.urv.cat/index.php/purv/catalog/view/563/583/1270
Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain (Volume II)edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú. The second volume expands the focus of the first, including contributions that analyze Buddhism from interdisciplinary and regional perspectives, with emphasis on its interaction with local cultural traditions and its impact on the academic sphere.
Downloadable at: https://llibres.urv.cat/index.php/purv/catalog/view/595/610/1301
