Lumbini Buddhist University, in collaboration with the ICCR, organized an interactive program entitled “Pali as a Classical Language,” on 28th October. The program celebrated India’s declaration of Pali as one of the classical languages, a milestone officially recognized on October 3. This interaction program highlighted the cultural and academic importance of Pali and reflected upon its historical, literary, and philosophical significance.
Welcome to Recognition of Pali as a Classical Language
The program was presided over by Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, the Dean of Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University. The main guests were Sri Basist Nandan, Second Secretary in the Indian Embassy in Nepal, and Dr. Hari Sharan Chakhun, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Shakya and the guests present at the ceremony spoke highly of this decision by the Indian government, considering it a big recognition of the Pali language’s foundational role in preserving and spreading the teachings of Buddhism.
Opening Ceremony and Structure of the Program
The program began with a symbolic Refuge in Triple Gem offered by Venerable Vajira, joined in company by the Mangala Prayer by the attending monks, therefore making it very spiritual. Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung, Campus Chief of the Central Campus, welcomed the speakers and scholars and all participants. He pointed out that the focus of the seminar on Pali was in tune with the main slogan of Lumbini Buddhist University, for which the study of Pali and Buddhist heritage has always been in the forefront.
Scholarly Discussions and Insights
It was an interactive session with deep and important presentations from three prominent scholars, each of whom brought forth different aspects of the Pali language and its contribution to Buddhist studies.
Historical Significance of Pali – Prof. Dr. Bimalendra Kumar
Prof. Dr. Bimalendra Kumar, ICCR Chair at Lumbini Buddhist University, presented an overview of the historical journey of Pali. He explained how Pali became an important part of the Theravada Buddhist canon, considering that it was the language used during the time of Buddha. Dr. Kumar has stressed the impact of Pali upon early Buddhist literature and how it had been used as a medium to write down and preserve the teachings of Buddha. He has insisted on the importance of the language in academic research and its continued relevance to understanding the philosophical underpinning of Buddhism.
Pali in Archaeology and Historical Documentation – Prof. Basanta Bidari
Prof. Basanta Bidari is the Head of the Department of Archaeology at Lumbini Buddhist University. He presents a talk on the use of Pali in ancient inscriptions, especially about the Ashokan pillars. He speaks about how these inscriptions connect scholars of today with historical truths from ancient times and that the Pali inscriptions expose the spiritual and political influence of Buddhism across Asia. Prof. Bidari explained that the recognition of Pali as a classical language by India is important, which further seems to crystallize the academic study of Pali and its place in Buddhist heritage.
Literary Contributions of Pali – Venerable Vajira
The Assistant Professor at Lumbini Buddhist University, the Venerable Vajira, had a different aspect to present on the richness of Pali in literature. He referred to Pali as the “language of the enlightened ones,” and further spoke of Pali as a vehicle carrying articulation in times of Buddha’s teachings, say in the Udanas, Therigatha, and Theragatha. He spoke of such voluminous Pali canon as Tipitaka, which still is a treasure for those who would research upon Buddha’s wisdom. The Venerable Vajira also pointed out that Nepalese disciples played a crucial role in propagating Buddha’s teachings in Pali as well as the common heritage between Nepal and India.
Practical Application of Abhidhamma – Associate Prof. Fanindra Kumar
Associate Professor Fanindra Kumar put a modern turn into the discussion with an explanation on how Pali texts, particularly the Abhidhamma, were put into practical application in everyday life. He elaborated on how Buddhism, though deeply philosophical, is essentially pragmatic and offers a rule for moral living. His presentation related to the Abhidhamma teachings on the mind, showing from these concepts how people can attain emotional well-being and mental clarity. The Abhidhamma is complex; however, its insight has formed a continuous influence on the thought and literature of Buddhism to date.
Interactive Session and Closing Remarks
The program continued with a question-answer session where participants were very enthusiastically engaging with the scholars, asking questions that revealed their interest in the academic and spiritual dimensions of Pali. Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya concluded the program with the distribution of tokens of appreciation among the guests and scholars. During his concluding remark, Dr. Shakya praised the recognition of Pali by the Indian government, mentioning it as a fundamental link in the circle of Buddhist academia and cultural importance.
Pali: A Gateway to Understanding Buddhism and Cultural Heritage
The declaration of Pali as a classical language marks an important milestone in preserving an ancient tradition that has profoundly shaped the spiritual and cultural landscape of South Asia. Since it is the language in which Buddha’s teachings were recorded, Pali therefore provides the scholar and practitioner with a direct link to the earliest expressions of Buddhist philosophy. Recognition by the Indian government does not mean anything more than a name; instead, it is recognition of the way Pali has preserved the teachings and history of Buddhism for generations yet to come.
Academic and Cultural Significance of Recognition accorded to Pali
Since Pali attained the status of a classical language, new dimensions of studies and academic explorations emerged. Research in Pali at places like Lumbini Buddhist University falls neither within purely academic studies nor relating to an alive tradition. This language itself contains the vast body of Buddhist teachings and hence affords insight into early Buddhist thought and practices unparalleled and therefore it is of immense value both for the academic, historian, and practitioner alike.
It further brings Nepal and India closer through shared Pali heritage. A declaration of this kind will strengthen the bonding among scholars into enriching the contribution of Buddhist texts toward philosophy and literature. It enriches Buddhism as a way of life beyond cultural and national boundaries.
Bridging Past and Present Through Pali
This interaction program on “Pali as a Classical Language” really drew up immense success since it further solidified the importance of Pali preservation for both pure academic and spiritual purposes. Lumbini Buddhist University, through such events, continues to extend its support to the study of Pali by offering opportunities for scholars, students, and practitioners alike to delve deeper into the great wisdom of Buddha’s teachings. That the government of India has declared Pali an official language is recognition of the enduring worth of the subject, connecting the best of the past and present in their search for knowledge and enlightenment.
The event evinced that Pali is not a mere language but it carries within itself the eternal teachings of Buddha for the way toward spiritual development and clarity of mind. Recognizing Pali as a classical language now puts it right back in the spotlight concerning its studies, encouraging future generations to dig deeper into the wisdom that it possesses and integrate this knowledge into the road toward understanding the essence of Buddhism.