THE STUDY OF PALI LANGUAGE TO CREATE RELIGIOUS HEIRS AND MAINTAIN BUDDHISM

Abstract

This article aimed to study 1) the history of Pali language studies, 2) the importance of studying the Pali language, and 3) the existence of Buddhism through the Pali language. The author analyzed the benefits and importance of studying the Pali language to establish religious successors and maintain the presence of Buddhism. The article discussed the history of studying the Pali Dharma texts and explored what "education" means and the Pali language. It also examined why the Thai Sangha emphasizes and values the study of Pali and why Pali is a language associated with developing successors to sustain Buddhism. Magadhi, commonly known among the Thai people as the Pali language, is the language the Buddha chose to use to propagate Buddhism. It is also the language in which the disciples inscribed and compiled the Buddhist scriptures, known as the Tripitaka. However, Pali does not have its own unique script, making it challenging to study. When it accesses any language, it only has to use the script of that language to study. Currently, the study of the Pali language in the Dharma schools, overseen by the Pali Sanam Luang Headquarters Office, involves holding the Pali Exam each year. This is one of the main objectives of the Thai Sangha in terms of scriptural study (Ganthadhura). As long as monks, novices, laymen, and laywomen continue to focus on studying the Pali texts, the religion will remain stable and can bring great happiness to many people. The study of Pali is considered a crucial foundation for the existence of Buddhism, with successors who are well-versed in reading and writing the Pali language being the main force.