Bù zhí yì lùn 部執異論
Treatise on the Different Theses Held by the [Buddhist] Schools
composed by 天友 (the Indian master 天友, alternatively identified with Vasumitra; 造) and translated by 真諦 (Paramārtha, 499–569, 譯)
About the work
The second Chinese rendering, by 真諦 (Paramārtha) under the Chén 陳 dynasty, of the same Samayabheda doxographic tradition that he had previously translated as the Shíbā bù lùn (KR6r0009) and which Xuánzàng later re-translated as KR6r0007. The Taishō (T49 no. 2033) attributes the work to 天友 (Tiānyǒu) — a name that has been variously identified as a translation of “Devamitra” or simply as an alternative epithet of Vasumitra (世友 → 天友 by minor graphic / semantic variation). The traditional view is that it is the work of 世友 (Vasumitra) under a different name.
Abstract
The structure parallels the other two Chinese versions: a narrative of the post-Aśokan schism into Sthavira and Mahāsāṃghika with their subsequent sub-divisions, followed by a catalog of distinctive doctrinal theses for each school. Internal differences from KR6r0009 are substantial enough that modern scholars (Bareau, Lamotte) have argued that the two are translations of different recensions of the underlying Indic work, not two attempts at the same original.
Paramārtha’s translation activity in southern China dates to 546–569; the Bù zhí yì lùn is conventionally placed in his Chén-period output (557–569). The attribution of authorship to 天友 in the colophon, combined with the differences from KR6r0009, has been the principal evidence used in argument for a separate Indic source. Like KR6r0009, the work was largely superseded by KR6r0007 but retained canonical status because of its independent witness value.
Translations and research
- André Bareau, Les sectes bouddhiques du petit véhicule (Saigon: EFEO, 1955) — treats all three Chinese versions and the Tibetan as parallel witnesses; the standard treatment.
- Jiryō Masuda, “Origin and Doctrines of Early Indian Buddhist Schools,” Asia Major 2 (1925): 1–78 — Masuda’s notes incorporate readings from the Paramārtha versions including KR6r0010.
Links
- CBETA: T49n2033