Abstract

This dissertation comprises an introduction, annotated translation, and critically edited text of the Catuhsataka, the major work of the second to third century C.E. Buddhist philosopherAryadeva. The Catuhsataka is an early treatise on how the Bodhisattva acquires the equipment of merit and knowledge required for the attainment of Buddhahood. The first eight of the sixteen chapters of the Catuhsataka emphasize the performance of virtuous actions, such as generosity. In the latter eight chaptersAryadeva establishes the Madhyamaka teaching of emptiness through a critical analysis of the weaknesses in the positions held by his Buddhist and non-Buddhist opponents. The translation and edition of the Catuhsataka is based upon fragments of the Sanskrit text and the Cone, sDe dge, sNar thang, and Peking editions of the Tibetan translations. The introduction and annotation to the translation draw upon the commentaries of Candrakirti, Red mda' ba, rGyal tshab, gZhan dga', and mDo sngags; the Chinese translation of Hsuan tsang; and upon parallel passages in the writings of earlier Buddhist philosophers and in the treaties ofAryadeva's teacher Nagarjuna in explaining the four hundred verses of the Catuhsataka