Note on Saddhp XIV 27c unmajjamānaiḥ

Abstract

This paper examines the validity of the reading unmajjamānaiḥ in Saddhp XIV 27c. The verb (sam-)un majj is originally conjugated in the active voice. However, in several instances—such as KN XIV: 299, 14 samunmajjante sma—the Kern–Nanjio edition adopts middle voice forms. While these readings accord with the Gilgit–Nepal recension, the Central Asian manuscripts consistently preserve active-voice forms. This likely reflects the grammatical usage of the original Lotus Sūtra. Yet once a middle voice form entered the transmission at whatever stage, it appears to have established a precedent that later scribes could follow. The development of Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit was, in all probability, shaped by precisely such cumulative patterns of usage and convention.