The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies v9.c76.2

v9.c76.2

Law considers the evidence that can be gleaned from Buddhaghosa's writings concerning his place of origin and what Buddhaghosa seems to know about the geography of India. He concludes that it is still unclear whether Buddhaghosa stemmed from North or South India. "It is certain that he was an Indian who went to Ceylon from the country of Cole in South India when Kāñcipura was its capital."65 But he seems to have only a dim understanding of the geographical locations of key places. On the other hand he is well-trained in Patañjali's Yoga, and is evidently acquainted with Nyāya. He also shows sound understanding of Pāṇini's grammar, which he cites several times in his writings. Law remarks that he nowhere shows his knowledge of the Upaniṣads. There is nowhere in his writings evidence of his acquaintance with the two great Sanskrit