The Absence of the Chinese Term <i>Jing</i> 淨 (Pāli <i>kappa/kappiya</i>) in the <i>Binaiye</i> 鼻奈耶

Abstract

The oldest Chinese translation of a vinaya text is the Binaiye 鼻奈耶. Although many scholars having pointed out that there is a need to examine its content due to the time of its translation, almost no research has been carried out. One of the reasons for this is that the Chinese is difficult to understand. However, this is also because of its unique structure. The extant vinayas are basically comprised of a vibhaṅga section and skandhaka section (or section equivalent to the skandhaka). However, the Binaiye only consists of the former. While the structure of its vibhaṅga does present some issues, like other vinayas, it contains stories, rules, and explanations. Based on limited research findings it is thought that the Binaiye came into existence before the extant vinayas. One of the notable characteristics of the Chinese translation of this text is that it does not discuss “proper rules.” In my past research I have examined the content of the proper rules found in vinayas and made clear the process of the sangha’s transformation. However, when and from where the Chinese-language concept jing 淨 (Pāli kappa/kappiya; “proper”) appeared remains as a major issue to be addressed. In order to examine this problem, I turn to the Binaiye and discuss its relationship with “proper rules.” I conclude that one does not find any passages showing their existence therein, and present various possible reasons for this. The lack of “proper rules” in this text is a very important point when thinking about the placement of this vinaya text, how “proper rules” came into existence, and circumstances surrounding the Chinese translation of vinaya texts. It is an issue that requires further examination.