UCLA

This dissertation concerns one of the vinaya texts of the Mulasarvastivada-vinaya, titled "Nidana." Although this text is undoubtedly an integral part of the Mulasarvastivada-vinaya, its importance has not been sufficiently recognized. Moreover, in its entirety, it has not been translated into any modern language. Therefore, the main purpose of my dissertation is to elucidate the nature and significance of the Nidana in its entirety. In order to accomplish this, I will proceed in the following manner. First, I will provide a general introduction to the Mulasarvastivada-vinaya. Second, I will briefly overview a section of the Mulasarvastivada-vinaya entitled "Uttaragrantha" which contains the Nidana. Third, I will discuss the importance and characteristics of the Nidana that have become more obvious through reading it in its entirety. Finally, I will include an edition and a comprehensive translation of the Nidana based on six Tibetan editions.