Dear Bhante,

[snip]

> Specifically the sequence:
> khandha ayatana nidana ahara sacca dhatu... (then the 37BPD). The
> inclusion of ahara as a separate item is unusual, as is the specific
> sequence of the last three items. I think this indicates a specific
> identity of this list in the Samdhinirmocana Sutra with the existing
> SA, not merely a generic similarity.

That sequence corresponds exactly with Asanga's account of the SA in his VS
(YBS) and also corresponds with the corrected sequence of the Chinese
version of the SA. FYI, I append Asanga's description of the SA from his
VS:

"The Sa.myukta-aagama is that in which the constituents (skandha), the
perceptual fields (aayatana) and interdependent arising
(pratiitya-samutpaada) are assembled in units and which the subsequent
compilers gathered together with the addition of summary verses, as
appropriate in sequence, in order that the teachings spoken by the Bhagavat
in consideration of the various beings to be trained might endure for a long
time. Likewise, it includes the foods (aahaara), the truths (satya), the
bases (dhaatu), sensations (vedanaa), instructions by the Tathaagata and the
'Sraavakas ('sraavaka- tathaagata-vyaakhyaana), the foundations of
mindfulness (sm.rti-upasthaana), correct abandonment (sa.myak-praha.na), the
bases of miraculous abilities (.rddhi-pada), the faculties (indriya), the
strengths (bala), things conducive to enlightenment (bodhi-pak.sa), the
elements of the path (maarga-a'nga), mindfulness of breathing
(aanaapaana-sm.rti), training ('sik.saa), serene trust following realization
(avetya-prasaada), and the eight classes of audience (pari.sad)."

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge