Comments: I'm a new comer. Some specified names originated from non-English  and non-Chinese may not be familiar to me. I wonder if I can overcome this difficulty.
 

Dear ZHAO Ging-guo,

One of the great problems of learning about Buddhism is learning the technical terms in Pali, which is true for both people whose language is filled with Pali words, such as Thai, as those whose language is from other roots, such as English or  Chinese.  There are disadvantages to having the Pali terms in normal usage for the Thai Because the meanings have been corrupted through time, for example 'sanna' in Thai means promise whereas in the original Pali it means memory.  'Vedana' means pity nowadays whereas the Pali means feelings.  There are numerous examples, so when we study the dhamma, we should all start learning all the terms over again, in order to have the right understanding of the meanings of the technical terms.

In fact I would suggest that you study the terminology as you would technical terms in any science, and try to understand the meanings and not to memorize the terms.  For example, the word dhamma means reality, truth and the Buddha's teachings.  If we understand it from the beginning, we would not need to try to memorize it so much.

So don't try to memorize the Pali that you find, for example if you read Sujin Boriharnwanaket's writings; you will see that when she uses a technical term she usually follows it with a definition of the word.  I suggest you read the book 'Summary of Paramatthadhamma' in the Advanced Section of <http://www.DhammaStudy.com>, starting from the first chapter, and try to understand the meaning and not worry about the Pali terms.  As you progress through the book, you will be surprised how many technical words you have picked up along the way.  Most importantly you will have understood about the heart of Buddhism, the Dhamma that the Buddha was alone in the world to have taught among all the religions.
 
Pali terms are important in order to communicate because the meanings are usually so wide and deep that generally no other word would cover as much meaning.  But to learn the terms without understanding the meaning could be even more confusing, so understanding the dhamma should come first.  Dhamma does not need any name to designate it if we understand that it is what really exists, is true and can be proven.  It does not matter at that moment what language we use, or no language at all, dhamma exists all around us and within us.

For easy references we are preparing a glossary to be used with the website, but for now if you want a temporary version, please use the glossary at <http://www.zolag.co.uk> which holds some of the same books that we do, and whose glossary we are basing ours on.  Our own Glossary should be ready by the end of the year, I am sorry to say.  But for a solid basis for the understanding the dhamma, the best source would still be the book above, both for the understanding and the terminologies.

Please take your time to read it through and let us know what you think, we look forward to hearing from you on any subject whatever and may we say that we are glad that you are interested in the dhamma,
 
Anumodana,

Amara-Varee
August 12, 2000

Background: 2 Galaxies passing:
Note dark parts of nearer backlit by light from far one.
Image Credit: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)