A Comparison of the Pāli and Chinese Versions of the Gāmani Samyutta, a Collection of Early Buddhist Discourses to Headmen

Abstract

This article first briefly examines the textual structure of the Gāmani Samyutta of the Pāli Samyutta-nikāya in conjunction with two other versions preserved in Chinese translation in a collection entitled 聚落主相應 Juluozhu Xiangying (Skt. Grāmani Samyukta) in Taishō vol. 2, nos 99 and 100. Then it compares the main teachings contained in the three versions. It reveals similarities and differences in structure and doctrinal content, thus advancing the historical/critical study of early Buddhist doctrine in this area.