----- Original Message -----
From: "Pali Moderator" <Pali-owner@yahoogroups.com>
To: <josmith.1@...>
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2002 1:43 AM
Subject: Welcome to Pali

> Welcome to the All Things Pali Discussion Group.

Thanks

> Please take a moment to review this message.

ok

> Our main discussion topics:
> 1. Tipitaka and sutta study;

I am working on a comparative study of the supposed first discourse of the
Buddha from at least 17 texts from four languages. It may be my honours
thesis.

> 2. Pali language and literature;
> 3. Theravada Buddhism;

Did you know that in the last Sangha Council another book was added to the
Canon?

> 4. Samatha and Vipassana meditation;
> 5. Sutta study tools and methodology;

Is there anyone else here that practices the study methodology for his
teaching that seems to be encouraged by the Buddha in the Pali text D 29 : D
iii 12, that goes something like this: "... All you to whom I have taught
these truths that I have realised by super-knowledge should come together
and recite them, setting meaning beside meaning and expression beside
expression, without dissension, in order that this holy life may continue
and be established for a long time for the profit and happiness of the
many..." It then goes on to mention the Limbs of Awakening, but I have found
that it can beneficially be applied to all teachings.

The following link is to a table that is an example of applying the method.
Following the method has enabled me to get a big picture of the Buddha's
teaching (and identify likely corrupted texts as a byproduct).

http://www.bigfoot.com/~josmith.1/buddhism/jo/d_o_compare.html

> 6. Tipitaka translation theory and practice.

Does anyone here study linguistics and, or is familiar with the idea of
semantic expansion and shift? If so, I would like to know what they have
come up with in applying it to Pali words.

> For a start, you may want to introduce yourself to the group, with the
help of one or more of the following questions:
> 1. Are you learning/teaching the Pali language?

Have studied three semesters at uni with Dr Primoz Pecenko.

> 2. Do you read and study the Tipitaka?

Yes

> 3. Were/Are you involved in any translation works of the Tipitaka?

Some for my book, The Gift Of The Buddha, (soon?) to be pulished. Am planing
to translate the
Chinese Samyukta Aagama. Am doing a major in Chinese as well as Buddhism.

----------------------------------------------------
Peace from Norman Joseph (Jou) Smith
E-mail: josmith.1@...
V-mail: +61 7 (0)500523778
S-mail: PO Box 95 Toowong BC Queensland 4066 Australia
URI: http://www.bigfoot.com/~josmith.1
E-group: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ttbt