Peter Holmgren wrote:

> Try find the Navakovada - 'instructions for newly ordained bhikkus
> and samaneras'.
> Maybe that's what you're looking for?

Thanks for the information but this again is not what I am looking for. My
problem is that I am currently housebound because I have a rather painful
slipped disc and sciatica at present, so rather than struggle up to the
university library I had hoped that the old Rhys Davies version might have
been available in etext format. The section of the Pali Vinaya I am
interested in is the Sutta-vibhanga portion -- especially the various
nidaanas, the stories, that are said to have given rise to the pratimok.sa
rules. I am trying to compare those nidaanas with the ones given in the
Mahasanghika Vinaya to ascertain how much diversity exists between the
various Vinayas. So it looks like I'll have to wait until I'm mobile again
:)

Also, while we are on the subject of Vinayas, has anybody on this list had a
look at Gregory Schopen's latest book, or his earlier one, on Vinaya matters
? His conclusions have significant implications for the provenance and
dating of the Pali / Theravadin Vinaya.


Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge

PS: Also, a thank-you to Jim Anderson for his suggestions.