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.
Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon
Re: Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon
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]
Re: Alphabet of the first written Pali Canon
Thanks very much. I guess it can't be known for sure since we don't have the palm leaves they etched it on.