How Do You Spell PALI CANON?

Pronunciation: [pˈɑːli kˈanən] (IPA)

"Pali Canon" is a term used to refer to the collections of Buddhist scriptures written in Pali language. The spelling of this word is [ˈpɑːliː ˈkænən]. The first part, "Pali," is pronounced as [ˈpɑːliː], with the stress on the first syllable. The second part, "Canon," is pronounced as [ˈkænən], with secondary stress on the first syllable. The Pali Canon is considered to be one of the most important collections of Buddhist literature and is an essential source for understanding the teachings of Buddhism.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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PALI CANON Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "Pali Canon" refers to the sacred scripture of the Theravada school of Buddhism. It is a vast collection of texts written in the Pali language and is considered the most ancient and authoritative source of Buddhist teachings. Also known as the Tipitaka, which means "Three Baskets," it is divided into three main sections or "baskets": the Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline), the Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings).

    The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules and regulations for monastic discipline, outlining the conduct and ethical guidelines for Buddhist monks and nuns. The Sutta Pitaka comprises discourses and teachings attributed to the Buddha and his direct disciples, providing guidance on various aspects of life, including ethics, meditation, and wisdom. These discourses are presented in the form of dialogues, narratives, and poetic verses. Lastly, the Abhidhamma Pitaka explores the deep philosophical and psychological aspects of Buddhist teachings, delving into detailed classifications, analyses, and explanations of mental and physical phenomena.

    The Pali Canon is revered by Theravada Buddhists as the ultimate source of doctrinal authority and is considered a reliable guide for spiritual practice and understanding. It is seen as a means to gain insight into the Buddha's teachings and to attain liberation from suffering. The Pali Canon has been preserved meticulously over centuries and continues to be studied, translated, and followed by Buddhist communities around the world, making it an essential and treasured resource for those seeking wisdom and enlightenment.

Etymology of PALI CANON

The term "Pali Canon" is primarily derived from two sources: the word "Pali" and the term "Canon".

1. Pali: Pali is a Middle Indo-Aryan language that was spoken in ancient India. It is considered a Prakrit language and is closely related to Sanskrit. The term "Pali" itself comes from the word "Pāḷi" in the Pali language, which means "line" or "row" and is thought to refer to the canonical scriptures being written down in line or sequence.

2. Canon: The term "Canon" comes from the Greek word "kanōn", which originally referred to a measuring rod or ruler. In religious contexts, it came to denote a standard or accepted collection of texts, forming an authoritative body of literature.