Welcome to Rocky Mountain Insight

A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people in the Dharma, the universal truths as taught by the Buddha for the purpose of alleviating suffering. Rocky Mountain Insight offers Instruction in Vipassana meditation, opportunities for Dharma study, ongoing group support and community based selfless service.

Class and Event Details

Special Event

• Pali Language Class

Being Buddhist we all have a wish to read Pali or Sanskrit, but the wish will remain a wish forever because these languages are so complex that we don't think we can learn them unless we are full time students. Nonetheless, Pali is difficult only if you want to become a Pali scholar. It can be easy if your goal is only to learn how to memorize some Buddhist terms with a bit less strain and find solace in a few passages, knowing that this very close to what the Buddha really uttered. With this in mind, the class will first give an overview of Pali grammar. Then, we will focus on the forming of Pali words so that we can dissect them into prefixes, roots, suffixes etc. When you can do this, you will learn the word with ease. Thus, you will have a deeper understanding and easier memorization of Buddhist jargon. After that, we will do some short and easy translation of famous passages. Therefore, grammar will be taught on a 'learn as you go' basis. There will be no rigorous memorization of paradigms : the purpose of the class is to have fun. I strongly suggest those who are teaching Buddhism or plan to do so to join us because some correct knowledge about the Pali language will heighten your effectiveness as Buddhist teachers.

Instructor: Ann Lee Hsieh, Ann has a master’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia where she took 3 years of Classical Sanskrit training. She has been reading Sanskrit for more than 10 years. Her present project is translating Ashvaghosa’s Buddhist Sanskrit epic Saundarananda into Chinese. She has been intensively studying Pali in the past two years.

Dates: Saturdays, June 2 - 23

Time: 9 - 11:00 am

Registration: There will be a $15 fee for each two-hour session. All fees will be donated to the sangha. Hope to see you there. Please email me in advance to register and for the textbook and handouts at hsiehannlee@gmail.com.

Location: Rocky Mountain Insight 2525 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite A Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Map to RMI