Let me answer the questions as well.

>1. Are you a Buddhist? If not, what makes you interested in Theravada
>Buddhism?

Yes, I am.

>2. Are you learning/teaching the Pali language? If yes, what do you
>think are the common difficulties faced by students?

I'm learning Pali, with the help of my teacher, Ven. Aggacitta, and some books. I've completed "Pali Primer" by Lily de Silva. Now, I'm going through chapters in Ven. Narada's "An Elementary Pali Course" which contains items not covered by "Pali Primer". I occasionally refer to Duroiselle's "A Practical Grammar of the Pali Language".

Common difficulties:
1. no satisfactory guide books. (That's what I hear Pali teachers say.) "Pali Primer" has a very well-sequenced syllabus, but is rather poor in choice of vocabulary and sentence examples. Where Pali Primer is poor at, Ven. Narada's book is much better. It even has sentences from the Pali text, which is quite inspiring to learners who learn Pali to gain direct access to the Pali scriptures (which I believe is the prime reason). However, it is not so learner-friendly like Pali Primer. They all require the help of a suitably qualified teacher.
2. lack of suitably qualified teachers.

>3. Do you read and study the suttas, or other Tipitaka/Pali literature
>(such as Abhidhamma, Vinaya)?

Just the Suttas in the Vinaya. Not touching Abhidhamma for the time being. As my knowledge in Pali is still elementary, I read them almost entirely in English. I do however occasionally compare translations with the Pali source (and dictionary) at hand, when preparing a talk.

>4. Do you use any tools/guidebooks in your study of the Pali canon, or
>do you apply any methods in your study?

I don't quite understand this question. Can you give some examples?

If you mean something like memorizing formulas like how the Burmese do it, no. (I've a big problem with memorization.)

>5. Do you meditate regularly? If you do, where do you learn/practise and
>what are the methods that you use?

I try to do some sitting in the morning. But sometimes I don't, especially when I somehow need more sleep, or when the weather is cold and it's so cozy under my blanket that I just have to forgive myself. I do try to maintain mindfulness throughout the day, though, especially when I go for pindapata.

I started of with a week-long Vipassana meditation retreat at Santisukharama (Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia). It's of the Mahasi method, under the guidance of Ven. Sujiva (Malaysian), who's now mostly in European countries. That's how I really got into this Buddhist thing, by the way. Last year when I went to Burma, I found another method, thought by Shwe Oo Min Sayadaw, which seems to suit my temperament better. It almost identical to the Mahasi, except a few points:
1. It emphasizes more on the mind, rather than the body.
2. Labelling is discouraged.
3. No fixed reporting method, as required in Panditarama. Be free to covey your experience in the way that suits you. If the teacher needs to know more, he'll ask.
4. No super slow movement, as required in Chammyay. Move at a calm, natural speed.

>6. Were/Are you involved in any translation works of the Tipitaka? Are
>you interested in such works?

No. I do feel that more work needs to be done though. I think the Vinaya scriptures are especially neglected. Would be happy to hear of any attempts on a new translation of the Vinaya Pitaka. The Vinayasangaha also deserves an English translation.


peace

Ven Kumaara Bhikkhu
Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary <http://www.sasanarakkha.org>
Shaping the future of Malaysian Theravada Buddhism....


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