Vinay Sutra And Auto Comentary On Same

This document is the first chapter, Pravrajya-Vastu, of the Vinaya-Sutra by Gunaprabha, along with his own commentary. The text is an English translation and critical edition based on Sanskrit manuscripts and comparison with Tibetan translations, edited by Prof. P. V. Bapat and Prof. V. V. Gokhale, and published by the Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute in Patna in 1982.

Here's a summary of the key aspects of this work:

• Title: Vinaya-Sutra and Auto-Commentary on the Same.

• Author of the Work: Gunaprabha.

• Editors: Prof. P. V. Bapat and Prof. V. V. Gokhale.

• Publisher: Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna.

• Publication Year: 1982.

• Series: Tibetan Sanskrit Works Series, No. XXII.

• Content: This volume contains only the first chapter of the Vinaya-Sutra, known as Pravrajya-Vastu (Chapter on Initiation), along with Gunaprabha's extensive auto-commentary. The original Vinaya-Sutra is said to have seventeen chapters (vastu).

• Manuscript Basis: The edition is based on photographic copies of Gunaprabha's commentary found in the Rahul Collections of the Bihar Research Society. The text of the Vinaya-Sutra itself was also derived from photographic copies of Sanskrit text in Tibetan script.

• Editorial Approach: The editors compared the Sanskrit text with various Tibetan editions and the commentary. They dissolved Sanskrit sandhis for better readability, indicated missing words or words based on Tibetan versions in square brackets, and provided footnotes for variant readings and parallels in other Buddhist literature.

• Gunaprabha: The introduction highlights Gunaprabha as an eminent scholar of the Vinaya of the Arya-Mula-Sarvästivādins, considered a pupil of Vasubandhu, and influential during the reign of King Harsha. The text discusses several grammatical peculiarities in Gunaprabha's style, particularly his precise use of Sanskrit verb moods (Atmane-pada and Parasmai-pada) and other grammatical features.

• Tibetan Translations: The introduction notes that the Vinaya-Sutra and its commentaries were translated into Tibetan, listing several related Tibetan works. The commentary translated into Tibetan by Alankara-deva and others was used for comparison and to clarify readings.

• Structure of Pravrajya-Vastu: The first chapter is divided into six main sections, each dealing with specific aspects of monastic initiation and conduct:

  1. Śrāmaṇeratva-upanaya-vidhiḥ (Sūtras 1-36): The procedure for becoming a novice (śrāmaṇera). It details the older and newer procedures for initiation, the steps involved, the roles of the Upadhyaya and Acharya, and the requirements for taking refuge in the Three Jewels.
  2. Upasampad-vidhiḥ (Sūtras 37-69): The process of full ordination (upasampada) as a Bhikshu. This section covers the Sangha's role, the need for robes and bowls, secret instructions, the role of the executive (karmakārka), the measurement of shadow, and the understanding of permissible and prohibited conduct.
  3. Niḥśrayagatam (Sūtras 70-102): Authority and dependence. It outlines the rules for a dependent (niśrita) concerning seeking permission from an authority (niḥśraya) for various actions, the qualifications for being an authority, and the conditions under which a Bhikshu can live without an authority. It also includes an example of Arhat Pilindavaṭsa's transgression.
  4. Sangrahya-gatam (Sūtras 103-148): Miscellaneous adjuncts and rules. This section covers various topics including the admission of heretics, probationary periods, age requirements for ordination, disqualifications (e.g., slaves, debtors, those with certain disabilities), and rules related to communal life, conduct, and discipline.
  5. Kṣudrakādi-gatam (Sūtras 149-614): Minor rules and specific prohibitions. This extensive section details further disqualifications for initiation (e.g., royal soldiers, robbers, specific castes like Candala), rules regarding hair cutting, decorum, bathing garments, sweating rooms (Jentaka), miscellaneous items like begging bowls and their maintenance, the age of entrants, and further details on authority and dependence. It also covers the rules for Bhikshunis, including their training, major and minor vows, and specific weighty rules.
  6. Pṛcchā-gatam (Sūtras 615-647): Questions and answers concerning the validity of ordination and monastic conduct. This section addresses topics like moral restraint (samvara), misdeeds (duṣkṛta), objections to physical characteristics, permissions, and the implications of certain actions or conditions for one's monastic standing. It discusses issues like sex change during ordination, the validity of ordination based on adherence to rules, and various physical abnormalities that disqualify a candidate.

• Comparison with Buddhist Texts: The introduction notes the similarities with the Pabbajja-khandhaka of the Pali Vinaya Mahavagga but also highlights differences, suggesting a later stage of Buddhism presented by monastic establishments. It also refers to Jinananda's Abhisamacārika.

• Language and Style: The text's language is described as condensed, requiring the commentary for understanding. Peculiarities in Gunaprabha's language and style, including the use of certain grammatical forms and his original approach to topical discussions, are highlighted.

In essence, this publication provides a scholarly edition of a significant portion of the Vinaya-Sutra and its commentary, offering detailed rules and insights into the monastic discipline and practices of the Mula-Sarvästivāda school, with a focus on the initial stages of monastic life.