Page 5 - ENG Edition Ver2

2

Tipiṭaka essence and categorization

According to definitions of Tipiṭaka, one has been concluded as “The

Scripture that keeps the word of the Buddha, that is the Buddha Teachings. The
categories and rehearsal for completion have been worked out and succeeded in

form of oral tradition.” In 460 B.E., the inscription with existing written form, the

orthography is the first step of learning. However, Magadha language used in
Tipiṭaka explanation, spoken in the biggest region of North India during the Buddha

Era, did not have written form, the Magadha orthography then could not be studied.

The Buddha used Magadha language spoken in Magadha Region at that time to

proclaim Buddhism. The learning pattern was orally recited. The language that was

used by the Buddha’s preaching then has been named “Pali” means “patterns.” The
word is then recognized as “Pali language” instead of Magadha language. It is

remarkable that in The Buddha Era, this was a language, containing orthography,

which was called “Sanskrit” (means that is perfectly systematic and refined). Sanskrit
language, historically, was created by an Indian scholar named “Paṇini.” He was the

one who distinctly studied Indian Veda Texts. Paṇini had constructed beautifully

grammar text called Asaḍādhayāyī. This has been considered as the first and the

best grammar book in the world. Later, people named the grammar text created by

Paṇini “Sanskrit language.” The explanation why the Buddha did not use Sanskrit for
Buddhism Announcement but Magadha language instead was that Sanskirt was the

sacred language only used among scholars especially among two casts of four castes

of India (Brahmins-ceremonial heads, Kshatriyas-rulers, Vaishyas-merchants,
Shudras-labors), who were Brahmins and Kshatriyas not for the other two: Vaishyas

and Shudras. Moreover, Sanskrit was only for men not for women. The language

then was a taboo for general application. The evolution of Sanskrit in India was

explained in “Chronology of Buddhism in World Civilization” written by Phra

Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto) as follows:
“Around 1500-2000 B.C. (400-600 years before B.E.), the Arayan Tribe moved

down for highland of Iran (Persia) invading and took over the land down to the

Ganges River Basin. They brought with them Hinduism, Sanskrit language and caste