[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Buddhist Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha) › [Taishō Tripiṭaka (Chinese Buddhist canon)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho) › [大唐西域記](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087) › 2.10 # 大唐西域記 2.10 大唐西域記 2.10 - **Language:** Classical Chinese ### [2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.10) 詳其文字，梵天所製，原始垂則，四十七言也。寓物合成，隨事轉用。流演枝派，其源浸廣，因地隨人，微有改變，語其大較，未異本源。而中印度特為詳正，辭調和雅，與天同音，氣韻清亮，為人軌則。隣境異國，習謬成訓，競趨澆俗，莫守淳風。 > The letters of their alphabet were arranged by Brahmâ and their forms have been handed down from the first till now. They are forty-seven in number, and are combined so as to form words according to the object, and according to circumstances (of time or place) : there are other forms (inflexions) used. This alphabet has spread in different directions and formed diverse branches, according to circumstances ; therefore there have been slight modifications in the sounds of the words (spoken language) ; but in its great features there has been no change. Middle India preserves the original character of the language in its integrity. Here the pronunciation is soft and agreeable, and like the language of the Devas. The pronunciation of the words is clear and pure, and fit as a model for all men. The people of the frontiers have contracted several erroneous modes of pronunciation; for according to the licentious habits of the people, so also will be the corrupt nature of their language. With respect to the records of events, each province has its own official for preserving them in writing. The record of these events in their full character is called Ni-lo-pi-ch'a (Nilapita, blue deposit). In these records are mentioned good and evil events, with calamities and fortunate occurrences. To educate and encourage the young, they are first taught (led) to study the book of twelve chapters (Siddhavastu). > — Samuel Beal 1884, Si-yu-ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World - [Previous: 2.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.9) - [Next: 2.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.11) - [Up: 2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2) ## Translations (1) - [Si-yu-ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087~en-beal.2.9.1) — Samuel Beal 1884, English ## Linked texts (1) - [翻譯名義集](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2131.1.15) — 法雲, Classical Chinese --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.taisho.2087.2.10) · Pramāṇa