[Buddha-l] Earliest Buddhist literature

[L.S. Cousins]

Kate & Stephen,

The accompanying audio file (which can be downloaded from the top 
right of the page) is more informative (and more accurate).

>Scientists uncover rare Buddhist manuscripts
>
>Carbon dating of rare manuscripts from a private collection dubbed 
>the "Dead Sea scrolls of Buddhism" may reveal the religion's ancient 
>origins.
>
>Fragments of the manuscripts were delicately washed, then carbon 
>dated at Sydney's Lucas Heights nuclear reactor.
>
>Scientists found the texts originated from the first and fifth centuries AD.
>
>Dr Mark Allon from the University of Sydney says they are believed 
>to be the earliest examples of Buddhist literature in Pakistan and 
>Afghanistan.
>
>. . .
>
>Found at:  
><http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1587259.htm>http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1587259.htm

The reference seems to be to carbon dating of fragments from the 
Senior collection. And the date range found was from 130 to 250 A.D. 
This looks as if it confirms the dating of the slightly earlier 
British Library material.

Lance Cousins
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