Computer-aided qualitative data analysis of Buddhist Canonical texts

Abstract

Buddhist texts composed in classical Sanskrit or in "Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit" are referred to as Sanskrit Buddhist Literature. Many non-Mahayana Nikayas have preserved their canons in Sanskrit, especially the Sarvāstivada. According to traditional Theravāda sources, the Buddha taught in Magadha, whereas in early Mahāyāna schools Sanskrit plays a significant role. ATLAS.ti 7 (Qualitative Data Analysis Software) is one of the leading computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) that has been used to analyse the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sūtra (Mahāyāna Buddhist sūtra). With advances in Information technology (IT), digitalisation of Buddhist documents has contributed immensely to Buddhist studies. Using computer-assisted techniques have been used for hermeneutic work commenced in 1980s. Many Sanskrit textbooks as well as scholarly papers have used ATLAS.ti 7 software package to analyse qualitative data. As this software package is user-friendly, transparent as well as credible, scholars in different fields such as engineering, IT, medical, management and education have used it. Apart from texts, audio, video as well as image archival databases are also digitalized and can be openly accessed. The Digital Library and Museum of Buddhist Studies and the Library of Luminary Buddhist Institute in Taiwan are two such places where this facility is available to researchers, students and those interested in browsing as well as referring to canonical texts