Are you interested in Buddhism and want to delve into its original texts? From BDE, we invite you to participate in the online course ”Introduction to Pali language and literature. Advanced concepts”, organized by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG). This unique program, taught in Spanish, will allow you to thoroughly explore the language in which the oldest teachings of Buddhism were preserved, with the help of an internationally recognized expert. Don't miss this academic and spiritual learning opportunity!
The course will be run by Aleix Ruiz Falques, a doctor in Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge and widely recognized for his experience in Pali language and literature. With a solid academic career and outstanding teaching ability, Aleix has established himself as an expert translator, with numerous publications that support his prestige in this field.
La Autonomous University of Barcelona, which was recently recognized as the best university in Spain according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, and Dharma-Gaia Foundation, dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhism, guarantee rigorous and accessible training.
COURSE DETAILS
Language: Spanish.
Dates: from April 2 to June 30, 2025.
Duration: 25 teaching hours, equivalent to 4 ECTS credits.
Schedule: two weekly sessions of one hour each, on Tuesday and Thursday from 17:00 to 18:00 (Spanish time), a convenient time for students from Latin America.
Format: The course will be delivered completely online, with live classes through the virtual campus. To ensure maximum flexibility, all sessions will be recorded and will be available in a deferred format for the entire duration of the program, allowing participants to access the content at the time that best suits their needs.
Enrollment: 120€ (includes access to materials and recordings).
Limited places: maximum 30 students, assigned in strict order of enrollment.
Certification: participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of achievement endorsed by the UAB.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COURSE?
The course is designed to provide an advanced understanding of the Pali language and literature, combining theory and practice. Among the topics to be addressed, the following stand out:
— Advanced Pali grammar: analysis of complex structures and linguistic nuances.
— Reading and analysis of canonical texts: I work directly with excerpts from the Pali canon and traditional commentaries.
— Exploration of Buddhist concepts: philosophical, ethical and spiritual principles of early Buddhism.
— Practical tools: use of dictionaries, grammars and digital resources for the autonomous study of Pali.
The course approach is designed for students with basic knowledge of Pali, although it is also accessible to anyone interested in exploring this classical language.
WHY STUDY PALI?
Pali is a key language for the study of Theravāda Buddhism, since it preserved the Pali canon, one of the oldest and most complete collections of the teachings attributed to the Buddha. Learning Pali allows direct access to these fundamental texts, enriching the understanding of their philosophical, ethical and spiritual principles.
This course is ideal for:
— Students and researchers interested in Buddhist, linguistic or Asian studies.
— Meditation or Buddhism practitioners who wish to deepen the original teachings.
— People curious about classical languages and their connection with philosophy and literature.
— Those looking for rigorous and accessible academic training in this ancient language.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Aleix Ruiz Falqués holds a doctorate in South Asian Studies from the University of Cambridge and has an outstanding academic career in the field of Pali language and literature. His training includes Sanskrit studies at the University of Pune and a doctorate specialized in the Pali grammatical tradition of Burma, giving him a unique and rich perspective in this field. His pedagogical approach combines academic rigor with a deep appreciation for the Buddhist tradition, facilitating the understanding of Pali texts in their historical, literary and philosophical context.
Among his most outstanding works is the Pali translation into Spanish of the anthology In the words of the Buddha (Kairos, 2019), as well as the translation The last days of the Buddha [Mahāparinibbānasutta], with the commentary of Buddhaghosa (Madrid: Trotta, 2022). Your translation of Questions to King Milinda (Kairos Publishing House). In addition, he has published numerous articles specialized in Pali studies in international academic journals. His work also includes the editing and critical translation of classical texts, and studies on Pali Burmese literature and its exegetical traditions.
Thanks to his deep knowledge of the Pali language and his experience as a translator and academic, Aleix is able to transmit the philosophical, literary and cultural nuances of the original texts. Their solid training and prolific intellectual output guarantee course participants a rigorous, enriching and inspiring learning experience.
Academic direction:
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Daniel Millet Gil
HOW TO ENROLL?
Places are limited to 30 students, so we recommend that you register as soon as possible to secure your place.
To register or request more information, you can visit The official website of the UAB course
Contact the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG): https://www.fundaciondharmagaia.com/
Write by email to: info@fundaciondharmagaia.com
ABOUT THE ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS
The course is organized by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, in collaboration with the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG), dedicated to the dissemination of Buddhism and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
For more information about the UAB, visit its official website: Www.uab.es.
This course is a unique opportunity to deepen the Pali language and literature, with the help of an internationally recognized expert and with the support of prestigious institutions. Don't miss your chance to sign up and explore the oldest teachings of Buddhism!
Useful links:
Faculty of Translation and Interpretation of the Autonomous University of Barcelona
Articles published on Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”The situation of Buddhist studies in Spain: educational programs” by Juan Arnau Navarro, Montse Castellà Olivé, Francisco Díez de Velasco, Ricardo Guerrero Diáñez, Basili Llorca Martínez, Daniel Millet Gil, Agustín Pániker Vilaplana, Aleix Ruiz Falqués, Jaume Vallverdú Vallverdú, Abraham Vélez de Cea.
”Experiences of Spanish-speaking students at the Center for Buddhist Studies of the University of Hong Kong” of Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”https://espanol.buddhistdoor.net/presentacion-del-libro-estudios-budistas-en-america-latina-y-espana-vol-i/” of Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”Presentation of the book In the words of the Buddha. An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon, by Bhikkhu BodhI” by Caridad Martin Nieto.
Other related articles published in Buddhistdoor in Spanish
”The expansion of Buddhist studies through the study of Pali: an interview with Aleix Ruiz Falqués” by Dipen Barua and Daniel Millet.
“The Dunhuang Diamond” by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
”Of free nuns and unfaithful translators” by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
”Saraṇa Vihāra: a refuge in the Montseny Massif” by Aleix Ruiz-Falqués
Key Publications in Spanish-Speaking Buddhist Studies
Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain (Volume I), edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú. This first volume brings together a series of essays that explore the relationship between Buddhism and Spanish-American culture, addressing issues such as the reception of Buddhism in Latin America and Spain, the translations of Buddhist texts into Spanish and the impact of Buddhism on contemporary societies.
Downloadable at: https://llibres.urv.cat/index.php/purv/catalog/view/563/583/1270
Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain (Volume II), edited by Daniel Millet Gil and Jaume Vallverdú. The second volume expands the focus of the first, including contributions that analyze Buddhism from interdisciplinary and regional perspectives, with an emphasis on its interaction with local cultural traditions and its impact on the academic environment.
Downloadable at: https://llibres.urv.cat/index.php/purv/catalog/view/595/610/1301
