A Comparative Study of Bhikkhuni Patimokkha

The main concern of this disseratation is a comparative study of the Bhikkhuni Patimokkha (monastic rules for Buddhist nuns), which is a part of the oldest Buddhist text, namely Vinaya Pitaka (the monastic disciplines). Patimokkha (community of monks and nuns); it is the basic element which holds the Samgha together over the Buddhistic world. Considering the lack of an understanding of the development of the Samgha depends mostly on the study of Patimokkha. In this context the study of the Bhikkhuni Patimokkha becomes significant as it helps determine the authenticity of the historical establishment and development of the Samgha. Total acceptance of the Pali sources as authentic is, how ever, still questionable. It has been recorded that the Buddha spoke Ardha magadhi but none of his sayings is preserved in this original form. The material handed down to the present days in translation of what may have been the early canon into other Indian languages, chiefly Pali. Buddhism was divided into various schools, most of which have their own texts but nearly all of these are lost to us. There is no definite proof that Pali is the only original and the oldest source. Keeping this fact in mind, a thorough study of the Bhikkhuni Patimokkha should take material form other available sources into account. The major attempt of this disseratation is, therefore, a comparative study of the Bhikkhuni Patimokkha in only six schools with complete set of Patimokkha. The materials used are from different sources, mainly from Chinese Pitaka which Liang Sathiensut has translated into Thai and the unpublished manuscript is now in my possession. These materials have never been fully utilized in the written western languages. This study also covers the comparative study of the Thai and English translations of the Pali text. Taking into account the materials of other schools enables us to make the study more objectively and efficiently. Through this method some now informations and findings may be expected.