Essentials of Pali Language and Literature  (Buddhist World Press, C. Upendra Rao)

This book entitled “Essentials of Pali Language and Literature” is unique in several aspects. It explains the role of Pali in the history and culture of India. Pali is a significant language that contains the unparalleled words of the Bhagav¡n Buddha. Being the ancient language of India, Pali preserves Indian history and several other aspects of Indian culture. Therefore forgetting this language proves a significant loss. Pali is our ancient language which shows a dynamic role in the Linguistics of the entire Jambudvipa. Pali language and literature influence Indian languages and literature. Pali has extensive literature, and this book attempts to elaborate on all those aspects. Besides, this book discusses the significant relationship between the ‘Chandas’ and Pali, including its linguistic relation with the Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. This book also explains the importance of Pali literature, both canonical and non-canonical. Besides, it discusses Buddhist philosophy, such as four noble truths, eightfold path, Nirvana, etc. It also discusses the philosophical views of six wandering monks. The most important aspect of this book is, it discusses some of the texts of non-canonical Pali literature, such as “VajirasaraSangaho” and “Dasavatthuppakarana.” This book shows the linguistic influence of Pali on Khmer and Thai languages and its unique role in Southeast Asia through several Pali inscriptions and manuscripts.