Jean Przyluski

Darstantika, Sautrantika and Sarvastivadin

By Jean Przyluski

Epic Studies

By Jean Przyluski

This scholarly essay investigates Buddhist vamsa literature—chronicles that narrate lineages—and its relation to the genesis of the epic Ramayana. The word “vamsa,” originally meaning bamboo and then…

From the Great Goddess to Kala

By Jean Przyluski

This essay investigates the Sanskrit terms kala and Kali, exploring whether they constitute two distinct words—one meaning 'black' and the other 'time' or 'fate'—or different senses of a single root.…

The Horse Balaha and the Indian Kings

By Jean Przyluski

The title "The Horse Balaha and the Indian Kings" explores the historical and linguistic origins of the term *Balahara* (or *Ballahri*), used by Arab geographers to denote rulers in India. The text…

Uposatha: A Babylonian Element in Indian Culture

By Jean Przyluski

The article examines 36 Neo-Babylonian documents from Uruk (c. 6th century BCE) to analyze sacrificial practices tied to lunar cycles, particularly the periodic sacrifice of kids on days 7, 14, 21,…

The Harmika and the Origin of Buddhist Stupas

By Jean Przyluski

The harmika, a square masonry structure atop Buddhist stupas, has sparked debate over its origin. Fercusson initially interpreted it as a relic-casket, but Senart dismissed this, noting its…

The Great Goddess in India and Iran

By Jean Przyluski

The article explores the historical and cultural connections between the Great Goddess in India and Iran, tracing her veneration across ancient civilizations. It highlights the presence of female…

Satvant, Satvata and Nasatya

By Jean Przyluski

On the origin of the Aryan word Istaka

By Jean Przyluski

Pre-Dravidian or Proto-Dravidian

By Jean Przyluski

The article discusses the historical and ethnological theories surrounding Pre-Dravidian or Proto-Dravidian populations in India. Prof. Sylvain Lévi critiques the Pre-Dravidian hypothesis, arguing…

Fables in the Vinaya‑Piṭaka of the Sarvāstivādin School

By Jean Przyluski

The article investigates the occurrence and role of fables and anecdotes in the Vinaya‑Piṭaka of the Sarvāstivādin school of Buddhism. The Vinaya is primarily a collection of monastic disciplinary…