The Bodhisattvapi ṭ aka and Ak ṣ ayamatinirde ś a : Continuity and Change in Buddhist S ū tras

In this paper, I intend to present a series of observations concerning the relationship between the Bodhisattvapiṭaka and Akṣayamatinirdeśa. Analysis of these sūtras has shown that the Akṣayamatinirdeśa is greatly indebted to the Bodhisattvapiṭaka for its material, often to the extent of reproducing entire passages from the Bodhisattvapiṭaka verbatim. Presumably in response to changes in current Buddhist thinking, the Akṣayamatinirdeśa deliberately introduced also a number of unambiguous doctrinal and editorial adjustments. On the whole, they are rather minor and are well blended into the wider context of the exposition, affecting only selected aspects of the Bodhisattva career. In several instances, modifications indicate doctrinal development and allow us to establish the chronology of the two works beyond reasonable doubt. The main body of