Pali-Sansakrit Words in Thai Affect understanding of Buddhism

Abstract

A number of words in the Thai language are loaned from Pali-Sanskrit, some of which are technical terms in the Buddhist doctrines. When used in Thai, the meanings of some words have changed or shifted from the original Buddhist terms, often resulting in confusion or misunderstandings of the Buddhist doctrines among Thai people. For example, the word “karma” or “kamma” in the Thai language refers mainly to unwholesome actions and their effects, whereas originally, according to Buddhist doctrines, the word refers to both wholesome and unwholesome actions, and not at all to the effects of unwholesome actions. In a similar way, the word “ahosikarma” or “ahosikamma” refers to forgiveness, while its original meaning in Buddhist terms is karma that has no chance of producing effect, without any reference to forgiveness whatsoever. It is essential, then, that Thai Buddhists seek to understand Buddhist doctrines and their terms, and be attentive in distinguishing the Thai meaning from the Buddhist meanings of these words.