[Buddha-l] liturgical languages

[curt]

Are you saying that Theravadin Buddhists do not chant in a foreign
language (ie, Pali)? This was what I thought I was talking about.
Or are you saying that Pali should not be considered a foreign language
by Theravadins? Now I am confused. As far as I can tell, there is little
difference among the various "Asian Buddhist" schools on this point.
The phenomenon of a "liturgical language" seems, to me (and please
correct me if I am wrong) a general phenomenon among all of the
major Buddhist groups in Asia. And I happen to think that this is a
positive thing, and something that "Western" Buddhist should carefully
consider before tossing the baby out with the bath water. I don't want
to find Western Buddhists singing dreary Buddhist Hyms to the accompaniment
of an organ (this frightening practice has already been adopted by the
Chogye Order in Korea - in a misguided, in my opinion, bid to better
compete with the Christians).
- Curt

F.K. Lehman (F.K.L. Chit Hlaing) wrote:

> Curt wrote: Don't be so sensitive. In the initial post I specifically 
> mentioned Pali and Theravadins. There is no reason, other than 
> paranoia, to imply that this thread is par of some evil Mahayanist 
> plot to convince the world that
> Theravadin Buddhism does not exist. Also, in the initial post, I was
> responding to Richard's remarks which also specifically mentioned
> chanting in Pali. Sheesh
>
> What nonsense! Nobody was being sensitive and nobody was imagining a 
> Mahayanist plot to suppress recognition of Theravada. I was quite 
> clearly objecting to the bland generalisation about 'Buddhists of 
> Asia' because the things being said about using foreign language 
> recitations without local understanding of the meanings simply do not 
> apply to Theravadins in Burma and Thailand.