Sinhala and Siddham scripts

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stickywater
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Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by stickywater »

I am just looking to get some knowledge and opinions on the sinhala and siddham scripts. I am going to get a tattoo with the Pali mantra/chant "May all beings be well." I am debating between these two scripts. Now from what I understand, Sinhala was the original Pali script...and since I am part Thai(Theravada School), the Sinhala script would be perfect. But I also like the way the Siddham script looks, and i understand it is used more for Sanskrit. The Siddham script is much bolder and has less characters for this mantra, so it flows nicely with the rest of the tattoo. So all that being said, let me also mention this...i am going to do what i feel is right in my mind for this, but i just would like to be as educated as i can be before i make my decision. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you!
daverupa
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by daverupa »

Isn't it simply an artistic decision?
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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vinodh
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by vinodh »

Better in Thai :-)

สพฺเพ สตฺตา สุขิ โหนฺตุ
http://www.virtualvinodh.com

Buddhists Texts in Brahmi Script : http://www.virtualvinodh.com/brahmi-lipitva

yo dharmaṁ paśyati, sa buddhaṁ paśyati
One who sees the Dharma, sees the Buddha

na pudgalo na ca skandhā buddho jñānamanāsravam
sadāśāntiṁ vibhāvitvā gacchāmi śaraṇaṁ hyaham

Neither a person nor the aggregates, the Buddha, is knowledge free from [evil] outflows
Clearly perceiving [him] to be eternally serene, I go for refuge [in him]
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stickywater
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by stickywater »

yes it is an artistic decision for sure. i am just realizing this as i have been searching through the Pali sub forum. and the Thai is nice, something to think about...but i already have some Thai script tattooed. thank you for your input!
daverupa
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by daverupa »

Just watch out for unscrupulous tattoo artists with a knowledge of ancient scripts who might make a joke of writing "Brahma is my Atta" or something.
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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stickywater
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by stickywater »

no this is a good friend of mine, great artist also. and i am the one doing all the research. he is just giving me the artistic point of view
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vinodh
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by vinodh »

Personally.. I love Siddham..

But since you are looking for a possible Theravada touch.. Khmer is also a good choice.. you might want to think about that..

V
http://www.virtualvinodh.com

Buddhists Texts in Brahmi Script : http://www.virtualvinodh.com/brahmi-lipitva

yo dharmaṁ paśyati, sa buddhaṁ paśyati
One who sees the Dharma, sees the Buddha

na pudgalo na ca skandhā buddho jñānamanāsravam
sadāśāntiṁ vibhāvitvā gacchāmi śaraṇaṁ hyaham

Neither a person nor the aggregates, the Buddha, is knowledge free from [evil] outflows
Clearly perceiving [him] to be eternally serene, I go for refuge [in him]
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stickywater
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by stickywater »

Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.
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DNS
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by DNS »

Any of those scripts would look nice. I personally prefer Brahmi, for its historical significance.
amcgar2
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by amcgar2 »

I have the word Metta written in Pali: मेत्ता but am interested in seeing it written in other Pali scripts. Please let me know if anyone can help.

Thank you,
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vinodh
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by vinodh »

मेत्ता

Thai : เมตฺตา

Sinhala : මේත්තා

Khmer : មេត្តា

If you need the Brahmi equivalent let me know.

V
http://www.virtualvinodh.com

Buddhists Texts in Brahmi Script : http://www.virtualvinodh.com/brahmi-lipitva

yo dharmaṁ paśyati, sa buddhaṁ paśyati
One who sees the Dharma, sees the Buddha

na pudgalo na ca skandhā buddho jñānamanāsravam
sadāśāntiṁ vibhāvitvā gacchāmi śaraṇaṁ hyaham

Neither a person nor the aggregates, the Buddha, is knowledge free from [evil] outflows
Clearly perceiving [him] to be eternally serene, I go for refuge [in him]
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DNS
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by DNS »

A site referring to the various scripts:

http://www.visiblemantra.org/scripts.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
halaha
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by halaha »

Please allow me to correct the Pali word metta written in Sinhala It should be මෙත්තා

halaha
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tiltbillings
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Re: Sinhala and Siddham scripts

Post by tiltbillings »

stickywater wrote:Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.
If you do not have a copy of of it, I would recommend John Stevens' SACRED CALLIGRAPHY OF THE EAST.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchR ... &x=44&y=20" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It has the Siddham alphabet explained in detail.
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12

This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
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