Vinaya Texts

SR No.: 007684
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids, Hermann Oldenberg
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2523
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 36

INTRODUCTION.
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with painful feelings. (The writer is) guilty of a Thullakkaya offence. He does die. (The writer is) guilty of a Pârâgika offence?'
And again, with respect to the injunction addressed to the Sisters of the Order not to devote themselves to worldly wisdom (tirakkhâna-vigga), the Vibhanga makes an exception in favour of learning to write a.
It is evident therefore that writing was in vogue in the time when the Notes on the Rules were put into their present form, that it was made use of for the publication of official announcements, and for the drawing up of written communications in private life; and that while the knowledge of the art was a possible source of livelihood, it was not confined to 'clerks,' but was acquired by ordinary persons, and even by women.
But it is a long step from the use of writing for such public or private notifications to the adoption of it for the purpose of recording an extensive and sacred literature : and our texts show-and show, as it seems to us, in an equally indisputable manner — that for this latter purpose writing, however well known, had not yet come into use.
Had the sacred texts been written down and read, books, manuscripts, and the whole activity therewith connected, must have necessarily played a very important part in the daily life of the members of the Buddhist Order. Now the texts of the Vinaya place clearly enough before our eyes the whole of the personal property,' so to speak, of the Buddhist Arâmas and Viharas. Every movable thing, down to the smallest and least important domestic utensils, is in some way or other referred to, and its use pointed out; while the use of other articles, not usually found in the Vihâras, is mentioned, and condemned. But nowhere do we find the least trace of any reference to manuscripts;
Lekham khindati yo evam marati so dhanam và labhati yasam và labhati saggam vâ gakkhatîti. Akkharakkharâya âpatti dukkatassa. Lekham passitva marissåmiti dukkham vedanam uppâdeti. Âpatti thullakkayassa. Marati, Apatti pârâ gikassa. Anâpatti lekham pariyâpunâti (Bhikkhunt-Pâtimokkha, Pâkittiya 49).
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