A Handbook Of Pali Literature

The Handbook surveys the whole of Pali Theravada Buddhist literature (Ceylon, South East Asia). It reviews previous research in the field, and then concentrates on new methodological approaches and a treatment of later Pali literature (after the twelfth century).

This book, published for the first time in 2 volumes in 1933,has become a classic in Pali studies. It presents an exhaustivepicture of the Pali literature, both canonical and post-canonical,giving summaries of all the Pali books, from the VinayaPitaka which specifies the rules of conduct for bhikkhus andbhikkhunis to the JÈtaka Tales containing popular stories. Hereare presented the first Buddhist books in history, which becamethe scriptures that form the base for the TheravadaBuddhism.Providing a huge amount of information about early Buddhismand about ancient Indian history, this is an invaluablereference book for the scholar as well as for the general readerinterested in Buddhism.

Description: The Handbook deals with the whole of the literature in Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, which is still alive in Ceylon and South-East Asia. In addition to reviewing the canonical texts (Tipitaka) which forms the oldest body of extant Buddhist literature, and their commentaries, the Handbook presents the later Pali literature, written after the 12th century, much of which is only available in Oriental prints. The account not only summarizes the findings of earlier research, but extends the scope of a handbook by demonstrating new methodological approaches to the canonical literature, for example by showing how the strict formal structure of the Sutra texts is determined in part by their oral transmission. Questions of the authorship of the commentaries on the canon (post-5th century AD) are revisited and the chronology of the texts critically examined. By comparing parallel commentaries, insights are gained into the structure of this comprehensive structure. Access to the Handbook is provided by a number of indexes

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This book is an authorized reprint of Wikipedia articles pertaining to the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures. Included are articles on Pali, the Early Buddhist Schools, and many suttas and other parts of the Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas. This book presents a comprehensive and in depth overview of the Pali Canon in a convenient collection.

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.