Early Monastic Buddhism v2.c34.s10.1

v2.c34.s10.1

In the Nāgārjunikoṇḍa inscriptions, there are a few incidental remarks relating to Buddha and Nirvāṇa. These probably apply to the conceptions held by the Pūrvaśailas or Caityakas. Buddha is described here as *jita-rāga-dosa-moha* (one who has conquered attachment, ill-will and delusion) and *dhatuvarapari-gahita* (possessed of the excellent *dhātu*), and the donor expects as a result of his or her gifts merits which he or she can transfer (*pariṇāmetum*) to his or her relatives and friends—an article of faith not recognised in the Pāli works where *attadīpa attasaraṇa* is the maxim. The fruits expected are (i) religious merits, for himself, his relatives and friends resulting in their happiness in this world and the next (*ubhaya-loka hita-sukhāvahanānāya*),—a merit which reminds us of the Aśokan inscriptions: *esa bādha dekhiye iyam me hidatikāye iyam mana me pālatikāye* ti and (ii) *Nivāṇa-sampati* (*nirvāṇadom*) for himself or herself.¹