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52 EASTERN HORIZON | FEATURES

of gradual transition from a primarily oral tradition Among the more technical texts in the new collection
to what eventually became a largely written one. are a number of Abhidharma or Abhidharma-related
Examination of these materials is likely to shed light on pieces that are likely to be of great interest to scholars
the complexities of the interrelationship between these studying the evolution of Buddhist theory. Gandhara
modes of text transmission and the patterns of canon was an important early centre for Abhidharma studies,
formation that arose from them. according to later Buddhist traditions, which have
been preserved primarily in Chinese. Now, for the first
The comments on sets of verses are a large category time, we have early examples of authentic Gandharan
of writings that appear to have patterns and genres Abhidharma texts, which are likely to represent a vital
distinct from those of more familiar Buddhist corpora. formative phase and significantly modify and improve
Although the individual verses explained in these our understanding of Buddhist scholastic thinking.
comments are, for the most part, Gandhari translations
of material well-known in other traditions, the nature, Setting a new benchmark
organisational principles, and function of the writings is The new material conspicuously lacks significant
vague. Presumably, they depict local teaching methods references to or indications of Mahayana beliefs and
and preaching Buddhist doctrines, which should goals. In Buddhist studies, the Mahayana’s historical,
provide an interesting counterpoint to the well-known geographical, and doctrinal origins have long been a
Pali commentaries, whose now-lost progenitors were source of concern and discussion, and many feel that the
claimed to have been written in the local Sinhalese Gandhara region had a major part in its development.
dialect. Therefore, these new fragments may be the
earliest surviving examples of an ancient tradition of On a broader scale, the extraordinary discovery of a
vernacular commentary. substantial corpus of Buddhist texts in Gandhari may
provide a new benchmark for evaluating and comparing
Such texts, along with others, may also provide us the previously known corpora of early Indian Buddhist
with unique insights into the methods of preaching works in Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and other translations.
and instruction used in Gandharan monasteries and
the texts favoured for such purposes. For instance, In the same way that the discovery and analysis of early
a particular subset of writings in the new collection Sanskrit manuscripts contributed to the correction
has an intriguing connection to a list of works of the prevailing Pali-centric view of Buddhism, it is
recommended for study by novice monks in a Vinaya anticipated that the new Gandhari texts will alter the
document preserved in Chinese translation. Based on status quo by providing a new point of comparison for
these clues, it appears that the last discovered collection previously known traditions. Though hard to foresee
has a typical sample of the many types and classes of the long-term effects of this discovery, it may usher in a
works studied in the monastery where they were held, new era in Buddhist studies.
including basic texts, commentaries, explanatory works
and technical treatises. In other words, we have not Arshad Awan is a Lahore based author, educationist,
a collection of fragments from a whole, systematised brand strategist, historian and journalist. He can be
canon, as is often the case with later, more established reached at arshadawan@msn.com. All information and
and standardised traditions, but rather a random facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.
selection of texts actively employed for study and
recitation. Source: Tribune, Nov 13, 2022. https://tribune.com.pk/
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