梵天勧請の類型

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One of the most important events in the legendary biography of the Buddha is the god Brahma's entreaty (ayacana, ajjhesana) to preach, which takes place immediately after his enlightenment. According to the traditional legend, when the Buddha attained his enlightenment under the bodhi tree, he was simply content with his accomplishment and did not think of transmitting it to others. Becoming aware of his decision Brahma sahampati in Heaven appeared in front of the Buddha. Draping his outer robe over one shoulder, and bending his right knee to the ground, he raised his joined hands towards the Buddha and requested him to teach what he had realized. This legend has been transmitted in various versions in Pali (MN.1.167-169=2.93, Vinaya 1.4-7, DN.2.35-40, J.1.61), Sanskrit (Mhv.3.313-9, Lal.1.392-400) and their Tibetan and Chinese equivalents. However, the same god Brahma appears at the beginning of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where it is described how the Epic singers made up their minds to undertake the great task of composing the whole Rama story in slokametre (R.1.2), or teaching his disciples the great Epic (MBh. Appendix) and putting it into writing (Ganesa legend). We note the same literary device of Brahma's appearance used by the Buddhists as well as the Hindus. Here in this paper, the relevant Epic portions are translated with the text-critical notes, and compared with each other. The most striking difference between the Buddhists and Hindus is that, while in the Hindu texts the god Brahma appears to encourage the singers to propagate their kavya or akhyana, in the Buddhist texts, the same god cordially requested the Buddha to teach his dhamma. We notice the god's superemacy to the Hindu sages (Valmiki and Vyasa), whereas in Buddhist literature, it is the Buddha's superiority which is emphasised.

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国際仏教学大学院

梵天勧請の類型

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