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Abstract
This study presents a detailed analysis of the narrative of Goyama and the ascetics of Mount Aṭṭhāvaya in the Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi, including text and translation. By identifying a range of themes, intertexts and allusions in the narrative, a variety of Jain perspectives on the nature of asceticism are uncovered. Topics covered include the Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi as “commentary”, the Āvaśyaka Niryukti background to the Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi narrative, some possible Śaiva allusions in the narrative, the significance of Goyama’s physical appearance, Goyama’s explanation of the canonical story of Puṃḍarīa, and Goyama’s power of bestowing limitless food. In addition to the narrative told in the Āvaśyaka Cūrṇi, its earliest metrical version in the Uttarādhyayana Niryukti is discussed and translated as well.
Abstract
The discovery of the Adhālaka-Mahācetiya, whose name survives in various inscriptions from the site, is among the major archaeological finds in India during the 20th century. Numerous excellently preserved images and inscriptions have substantially broadened the knowledge of Buddhist art, and, perhaps more important, allow certain conclusions on the relationship of the Buddhist Saṃgha and the ruling Śātavāhana dynasty. When comparing the corpora of inscriptions within the world of images found at other previously known Buddhist sites such as Sāñcī or Nāgārjunakoṇḍa, Kanaganahalli emerges as a unique place where politics of both the Saṃgha and the Śātavāhanas are documented. The interpretation of some royal images with their inscriptions seems to allow a rare glimpse into Śātavāhana foreign policy, particularly into their relationship with their rivals, the Kṣatrapa rulers of western India. Lastly, some images such as those of Aśoka show that Mauryan rule was not forgotten at Kanaganahalli, which is very close to the site of nearby Sannati (a find spot of Aśokan edicts). At the same time these images and their very prominent position on the Adhālaka-Mahāceitya prove keen awareness and interest in events of the past by those who designed the program for decorating the monument.
Abstract
The Buddhist Sanskrit Saṃghāṭa-sūtra includes several longer or shorter passages in verse, mostly ślokas. Many though not all of these verse passages also appear in metrical form in the Khotanese version, which makes use of all three of the metres known from the longest Old Khotanese poem, the Book of Zambasta. The aim of the present article is to analyse these metrical passages in order to determine to what extent the treatment of the metres conforms to the practice of the Book of Zambasta. The relevant passages are therefore presented with a detailed metrical analysis as well as an English translation and brief commentary.
Abstract
This survey discusses a series of achievements in comparative Indo-Iranian studies, on the occasion of the appearance of a new representative volume. The presentation of these achievements aims to trace existing and new directions of scholarly co-operation between Vedists, Avestologists, specialists in Achaemenid and Sassanian studies, as well as, more generally, between Indo-Europeanists, philologists and scholars of history of culture and religions with the aim to continue the reconstruction of Indo-Iranian sacred texts and religious practices.