從漢譯佛典論八關齋的內涵及其特色

The Eightfold Observance is a kind of lay Buddhist discipline. Its name and precepts, the period of observance, and related issues such as the inspection and protection of gods are found in the Chinese Āgama Sūtras and the corresponding Pāli discourses, the oldest Indian Buddhist scriptures. In the subsequent Chinese translations of Buddhist texts, varied ideas about the deportment of observance, the identity of the observer, the date of observance and the number of precepts proliferated and the status of the precept “no eating out of regulation hours” gave rise to heated discussions. As the Eightfold Observance is simple and flexible,it becomes an important component of Sinicized Buddhism and folk beliefs in China andis mentioned in many Buddhist apocrypha. Some scholars even speculate that the practice of the Eightfold Observance is actually inspired by Chinese sacrificial rituals or Daoism.Though widespread and well-known, it has yet to receive detailed research. In addition to presenting a comprehensive study of its practice based on the Chinese translations, this article also raises the question of whether the Eightfold Observance originates from Indian Buddhism, with an eye to gain a clearer understanding of this lay Buddhist discipline and its relationship with Chinese culture.