< Issue No. 4 (2008)Article
The Verses on an Auspicious Night, Explained by Mahākaccāna – A Study and Translation of the Chinese Version
Anālayo, Bhikkhu, Center for Buddhist Studies (University of Hamburg), Dharma Drum Buddhist College
Abstract
The present paper offers a study and an annotated translation of the Madhyama-āgama parallel to the Mahākaccānabhaddekaratta-sutta. The first part of the article examines two differences found between the Pāli and the Chinese versions, differences that appear to be due to the influences of notions held by the reciters on the transmission of the discourse. This is followed by a translation of the Madhyama-āgama version. The final part of the article evaluates the significance of the verses on an auspicious night which for the main theme of the Mahākaccānabhaddekaratta-sutta and its Chinese counterpart.