“How did the Buddha speak? A Fun Introduction to Pali for Practitioners” with Bernat Font

Online via Zoom

4 Wednesdays: February  3, 10, 17, 24 @ 4:30 – 6pm Pacific

When meditation teachers say words like ‘mettā’, ‘samādhi’ or ‘satipaṭṭhāna’, students may feel intrigued, intimidated, or both. Over time they may acquire a considerable vocabulary in this foreign language called Pali, but never think much about it. Or instead, they may think they should learn Pali, without a clue about how to start or even whether they’ll be into it.

This short course offers meditators an opportunity to get to know Pali a little better and acquire a taste for the words and language the Buddha used—or the closest we can get to that!—without the ambition to acquire fluency or plunge into the sea of Pali grammar. It aims to foster appreciation for Pali in a fun, relaxed way that is still relevant for dharma practice.

During four sessions, Buddhist scholar and meditation teacher Bernat Font will introduce what Pali language is—did you know it’s a distant cousin of English?—and the role it has had in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. We will explore how certain features of this language have shaped Buddhist teachings, enquire into key terms, and even memorize some short passages in Pali to use in our meditation.

Whether you have toyed with the idea of learning Pali, or want to feel closer to the Buddha and the early texts, or are just curious about how learning more about key terms can enhance your practice and your understanding, this course is for you.

About the Instructor:

 Bernat Font met the Dharma at a very young age and has practiced in Europe, India and Myanmar, gradually putting aside his artistic career. He completed his Dharma teacher training with Bodhi College in 2022, mentored by Stephen Batchelor, and has a PhD in Buddhist Studies. He founded the Dharma organization ‘Espai Sati’ in Barcelona, serves the LGBTQIA+ community, and teaches in English, Catalan and Spanish.