On the Origin of the Indian Brahma Alphabet c5.47

c5.47

Equally valuable are a number of passages of the Vinayapiṭaka, which Professor Oldenberg's Index makes easily accessible. Writing (*lekhā*) and writers (*lekhaka*) are mentioned in the Bhikkhu Pācittiya II. 2 and in the Bhikhunī Pācittiya 49. 2. In the former passage writing is enumerated among “the excellent branches of learning, which are not blamed, nor despised, nor contemned, nor disregarded, (*but*) esteemed in the various countries.” In the Pārājika section a curious practice is forbidden to the Buddhist monks, in which writing plays an important part. “(*If one*) cuts (*chindati*), the text says, an inscription (*lekhaṃ*) to this effect, ‘He who dies in this manner, will obtain wealth, or will obtain fame, or will go to heaven,’ (*the cutter*) is guilty of a Dukkaṭa (*dushkṛta*) sin for each single letter (*akkharakkharāya*). (*If anybody*) sees the inscription, and forms the painful resolution to die, (*the engraver will be guilty*) of a Thullaccaya (*sthūlātyaya*) sin; (*in case the reader actually*) dies, (*the engraver will be guilty*) of a Pārājika offence.”¹