A Comparison of the Pali and Chinese Versions of the Bhikkhu Samyutta, a Collection of Early Buddhist Discourses on Monks

Authors

  • Mun-keat Choong University of New England, Armidale

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/bsrv.v23i1.61

Keywords:

Pali Texts

Abstract

This article first briefly examines the textual structure of the Bhikkhu Samyutta of the Pali Samyutta-nikaya in conjunction with two other versions preserved in Chinese translation in Taisho vol. 2, nos. 99 and 100. Then it compares the main teachings contained in the three versions. These three versions of this collection on the subject of monks represent three different early Buddhist schools within the Sthavira branch. This comparative study of these three different versions focuses on four major topics: physical appearance, Dharma talk, solitude, and heat meditation. It reveals significant differences in structure and doctrinal content, thus advancing the historical/critical study of early Buddhist doctrine in this area.

Author Biography

  • Mun-keat Choong, University of New England, Armidale
    School of Classics, History and Religion

References

Bodhi, Bhikkhu, 2000. The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya. Boston, MA: Wisdom Publication.

Choong, Mun-keat, 2000. The Fundamental Teachings of Early Buddhism: A Comparative Study based on the Sutranga Portion of the Pali Samyutta-Nikaya and the Chinese Samyuktagama (=Beiträge zur Indologie 32). Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz.

Enomoto, Fumio, 1994. A Comprehensive Study of the Chinese Samyuktagama: Indic Texts Corresponding to the Chinese Samyuktagama as Found in the Sarvastivada-Mulasarvastivada Literature. Kyoto: Kacho Junior College.

Hirakawa, Akira, 1993. A History of Indian Buddhism: From Sakyamuni to Early Mahayana, Paul Groner (tr. and ed.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

Rhys Davids, C. A. F., 1922. The Book of Kindred Sayings II. London: PTS.

Rhys Davids, T. W. & Stede, William, 1921. Pali English Dictionary. London: PTS.

Woodward, F.L., 1935. The Minor Anthologies of the Pali Canon II. London: PTS.

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Published

2007-02-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Choong, M.- keat. (2007). A Comparison of the Pali and Chinese Versions of the Bhikkhu Samyutta, a Collection of Early Buddhist Discourses on Monks. Buddhist Studies Review, 23(1), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1558/bsrv.v23i1.61