An edition and critical study of the Salayatanasamyutta in the Samyuttanikaya of the Pali Canon

Abstract

This thesis presents a new edition of a section of the Saḷāyatanasaṃyutta, which forms part of the Saṃyuttanikāya in the Pali canon, and documents the basic principles that should be used for producing a critical edition. It discusses the manuscripts and associated commentaries of the Saḷāyatanasaṃyutta that are listed in manuscript catalogues and describes the characteristics of the manuscripts and printed editions used for editing this text. The thesis also provides a critical study of the structure and content of the Saḷāyatanasaṃyutta as a whole. The new edition shows that, as is the case with other saṃyuttas and nikāyas, the Saḷāyatanasaṃyutta is structured to ensure faithful preservation and transmission. In addition, this text contains the major theme of Buddhist teachings, namely, the Four Noble Truths and dependent origination (paṭiccasamuppāda). The new edition is based on a greater number and range of witnesses than those used in Feer’s 1894 PTS edition. It also records the significant information contained in the colophons of the manuscripts, which Feer omitted, and corrects numerous errors in Feer’s edition. Although it is common practice to abbreviate repetitive passages in manuscripts and editions, the current edition always gives the text in full so that the original form of each sutta can be easily ascertained. All variant readings, both valid and invalid, are recorded in the critical apparatus and appendices, respectively. Unless there is sufficient supporting evidence, the present edition does not change or correct the text. The best reading is evaluated from both internal (the intrinsic value of the readings) and external (date, number of witness, etc.) forms of evidence. By displaying the unabbreviated text, this edition makes a significant contribution to the preservation of the text and the prevention of future corruption and loss.