Karandavyuha Sutra

by Mithun Howladar | 2018 | 73,554 words

This page relates “Some Features of Mixed Sanskrit” of the Karandavyuha Sutra (analytical study): an important 4th century Sutra extolling the virtues and powers of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The Karandavyuhasutra also introduces the mantra “Om mani padme hum” into the Buddhist Sutra tradition.

Part 12 - Some Features of Mixed Sanskrit

The Mixed Sanskrit holds some distinguishing features.

1. Violation of 'mora'. In Pāli also such tendency is observed.

2. Tendency of simplification of the conjunct consonant with semi vowel like Y, V, etc. or that with nasal.

B. K. Ghosh in the English translation of Geiger's worked on Pāli Language & Literature (p-53.3). Comparatively Edgerton's BHS (p-23) may be referred to. In this regard Satya Swarup Mishra has said that further corroboration of such an assumption may be useful. Even Ṛgveda shows Prākṛtisms. Now, what is this Prākṛtisms? Is it influence of Pkt on OIA? The answer is, no. The fact is that there were stray cases of linguistic change also at an early stage, which became more regular in later stages. The confusion of ṛ with ri /ru is also attested in Ṛgveda e.g. sṛnoti =* srunoti, in Atharva -Veda, surunaoiti. Ṛgveda tṛ tiya =* tritiya, Atharva -Veda Orit(i)ya etc. Similarly, vata for vṛ ta etc.

Specimens of the Gāthā Sanskrit:

Examples of unidentified dialects of commoners in ancient times show that the gāthā (verses) were in verse form and recited. These gāthā in the Vedas and in subsequent Buddhist Sanskrit Literature (BSL) have helped trace the process of formation of Pure Sanskrit from Mixed Sanskrit.

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