Do We Need Pāli?

Pāli is the language of many of the oldest Buddhist discourses. Do we need to know Pāli to know about or practice early Buddhism? We’ll consider that question with reference to a new book out by eminent Pāli scholar Richard Gombrich, as well as a look at a couple of early texts from the Buddha … translated from Pāli.

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Book:

Richard Gombrich, Buddhism and Pali

Texts mentioned:

Vinaya Khuddaka: https://suttacentral.net/pli-tv-kd15/en/horner-brahmali
The Analysis of Non-Conflict: https://suttacentral.net/mn139/en/sujato#12.1

Other material:

On the word “barbarian”: https://www.etymonline.com/word/barbarian?ref=etymonline_crossreference#etymonline_v_52529
On the Sanskrit for that word: http://sanskritdictionary.com/scans/?col=1&img=mw0722.jpg
Discussion with Richard Gombrich about his book: https://youtu.be/5zw1KzMLRXU