2017, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part C

The linguists classify the language of the Veda into the old Indo-Aryan family of languages covering 1500 B.C. to 1000 B.C. This language was in use by a select few, particularly belonging to the priestly class, for religious purposes. The term ‘Sanskrit’ refers to a language refined within the Paninian model of grammar, particularly after the fifth century B.C. This language, though technically not identical with the language of the Vedas, postdates the rise of Buddhism.

The original Buddhist teachings were compiled in Pali, a form of ‘Prakrit’. Various types of Prakrit were the common language of much of the Indian subcontinent and evolved into most of the modern vernacular languages. Initially, Buddhists did not write in Sanskrit. After Panini, they turned to Sanskrit for the composition of fresh texts or translation of existing ones. The growth of Sanskrit writings in Buddhism was further encouraged from the early Christian era onward.

Buddhist philosophers such as Nāgārjuna, Vasubandhu, Dignāga, and Dharmakīrti concentrated their philosophical thoughts in Sanskrit. This paper explores their motivations for using Sanskrit instead of Pali.