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Learn the Language of the Buddha

Namo Buddhāya! 🙏

Pāli is the language of the early Buddhist scriptures preserved in the Theravāda tradition. Learning Pāli is an opportunity to understand the Buddha’s teachings in their original language and to deepen our appreciation of the Dhamma.

Our PĀLI 101 — Pāli Language Course, Level 1 (Beginners) resumed on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and new registration is now open. The course is offered completely free as Dhamma Dāna, live online every week.

Each lesson combines grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation with short passages from the suttas, so students learn the language through the teachings themselves. Everyone is welcome, whatever your previous knowledge of Pāli.

Course Details

  • Course: PĀLI 101 — Pāli Language Course, Level 1 (Beginners)
  • When: Every Saturday, 8:30 AM Eastern Time (USA), from October 17, 2026
  • Where: Live online via Zoom
  • Who can join: Complete beginners, monastics and lay practitioners, students of Buddhism, and researchers and Dhamma learners worldwide
  • Instructor: Ven. Dr. Nivitigala Sumitta Thero
  • Cost: Free, offered as Dhamma Dāna. Donations are welcome but optional.

📢 No class on Saturday, October 24, 2026, due to a special event at Empty Cloud Monastery. Classes continue on Saturday, October 31.

Class time around the world (from November 7, 2026):

  • USA (Pacific): 5:30 AM Saturday
  • USA (Eastern): 8:30 AM Saturday
  • UK: 1:30 PM Saturday
  • Central Europe: 2:30 PM Saturday
  • India / Sri Lanka: 7:00 PM Saturday
  • Vietnam: 8:30 PM Saturday
  • Singapore / Malaysia: 9:30 PM Saturday
  • Australia (Brisbane): 11:30 PM Saturday
  • Australia (Sydney / Melbourne): 12:30 AM Sunday

Local times for October 31 only: The class is at 8:30 AM US Eastern Time as usual, but because of daylight saving changes, local times elsewhere are one hour earlier that day: UK 12:30 PM, Central Europe 1:30 PM, India / Sri Lanka 6:00 PM, Vietnam 7:30 PM, Singapore / Malaysia 8:30 PM, Australia (Brisbane) 10:30 PM, Australia (Sydney / Melbourne) 11:30 PM. From November 7 onward, the times above apply.

📝 Register for PĀLI 101 (Level 1)

Please complete the registration form to join the course. Registered students will receive the online meeting details and further information by email.

Returning students are warmly welcome to continue, review previous lessons, and help newcomers as we learn together.

Start or catch up:

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Level 1 is suitable for complete beginners. It starts from the alphabet and pronunciation and builds up step by step. If you are joining mid-course, the Pāli Alphabet video and the lessons playlist will help you catch up.

Yes. The course is offered completely free as Dhamma Dāna, a gift of the teachings. Donations to support Dhamma USA’s educational work are welcome but optional.

Please complete the registration form above. Registered students receive the online meeting details and class updates by email. We do not post the link publicly, which keeps our classes safe and undisturbed.

Lessons are built around real passages from the suttas, such as the Mettānisaṃsa Sutta (AN 11.16), with grammar explanations, verb tables, and exercises. Over time, students learn to read and understand short canonical texts in the original Pāli.

Yes, returning students are warmly welcome. You can review previous lessons, continue with the class, and help newcomers as we learn together. Even if you have fallen behind, we review regularly so everyone can continue together.

Please feel free to share this course with friends and anyone interested in studying the Buddha’s teachings.

May the learning of Pāli lead to a deeper understanding of the Dhamma.

With Mettā,
Ven. Dr. Nivitigala Sumitta Thero
Dhamma USA
info@dhammausa.com

Overview

At Dhamma USA, our commitment to Spiritual Care is at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to nurturing the well-being of our community and all sentient beings through a variety of supportive and transformative practices.

Our Spiritual Care programs are designed to address the diverse needs of individuals across different stages of life, with particular attention to young children and senior citizens. We believe in the power of spiritual practice to foster inner peace, resilience, and holistic well-being.

We offer a range of activities and services, including:

  • Mindfulness Meditation: Guided sessions to help individuals cultivate awareness, reduce stress, and develop a deeper connection with the present moment.
  • Walking Meditation: Opportunities to engage in mindful walking, promoting physical and mental relaxation through gentle movement.
  • Healing & Therapeutic Chanting: Sessions of chanting that aim to provide emotional healing and spiritual comfort, drawing on ancient practices to soothe and uplift.
  • Counseling: Personalized spiritual counseling to offer guidance and support in navigating life’s challenges and finding clarity.
  • Prison Visits: Providing spiritual support and encouragement to individuals in correctional facilities, fostering hope and personal growth.
  • Hospital Visits: Offering compassionate care and spiritual comfort to patients and their families during times of illness and recovery.

Our programs are designed to be inclusive, addressing the needs of people from all walks of life. Whether through our dedicated programs for children and seniors or our broader offerings, we strive to create a supportive environment where everyone can benefit from spiritual care and guidance.

By fostering spiritual well-being, we aim to contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious community. Join us in our efforts to nurture the spirit and uplift the lives of those we serve.

Meditation

We conduct meditation sessions to help the new and aspiring meditators who seek guidance and show enthusiasm to practice on regular basis. Medium: English & Sinhala.

Dhamma Talks

We share the Theravada Buddha Dhamma to help the community who are interested in learning the Dhamma. Medium: English & Sinhala.

Protective Chantings

We would love to pray for you and your loved ones safety and protection. We certainly believe these powerful and rhythmic Pali chanting can heal your hearts to a greater extent.

Yoga Classes

We conduct light Yoga & Meditation in combination to help our communicate to practice better and more comfortably.

Prison Visits

Our commitment to help the incarcerated prison community is a noble mission that we excited about.

Buddhist Counseling

We are happy to provide you traditional Buddhist counseling to help you ease out the pressure of your heavy and stressful lifestyles. This may be different from the Western methodology but certainly more effective and powerful.

Benefits of Service

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There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

How It Works?

Overview

At Dhamma USA, Community Care stands as a core objective of our mission. We are deeply committed to enhancing the well-being and welfare of our community through a variety of supportive and inclusive programs. Our initiatives are designed to address the needs of all individuals, with a focus on ensuring accessibility and equality.

We are proud to offer many of our programs free of charge, making them available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Our community care efforts include:

  • Shelter for the Underprivileged: Providing safe and secure housing for those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to basic living conditions and support.
  • Scholarship Scheme for the Poor: Offering educational scholarships to underprivileged students, empowering them with opportunities for academic advancement and personal growth.
  • School Aid for Remote Areas: Supplying essential resources and support to schools in remote or underserved regions, helping to improve educational outcomes and access.
  • Medical Help: Facilitating medical assistance and health care services for those who may lack access to necessary medical treatment and support.
  • Distribution of Clothes: Organizing clothing drives and distributions to provide essential garments to individuals and families in need.
  • Cultural Events: Hosting events that celebrate and promote cultural diversity, fostering a sense of community and shared values.
  • Disaster Relief: Responding to natural and humanitarian crises with relief efforts that provide immediate aid and long-term support to affected communities.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive and compassionate environment that uplifts and empowers all members of our community. At Dhamma USA, we believe in making a meaningful difference and contributing to a more equitable and caring world.

Benefits of Service

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There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration.

How It Works?