Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon

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Nibbida
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Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon

Post by Nibbida »

When the Pali canon was first committed to writing during the 4th Buddhist council in Sri Lanka, what script was it written in? Sinhala? Is it known?

Thank you.

:anjali:
daverupa
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Re: Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon

Post by daverupa »

I think the script used in Sri Lanka was Brāhmī; another script used about the same time up in Gandhara was Kharoṣṭhī.
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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Nibbida
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Re: Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon

Post by Nibbida »

Thanks very much. I guess it can't be known for sure since we don't have the palm leaves they etched it on. :-)
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