Definition Theravada

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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DGDC
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Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 1:53 pm

Definition Theravada

Post by DGDC »

Theravada is a collection of words. A collection that is fixed.
It was brought to Sri Lanka by Ven. Mahinda--in his memory.
Until it was written down in Sri Lanka at Matale, Alu Vihara Sri Lankan monks carried it in their memories.
There is some evidence that commentaries in Sinhala existed--Sihalaatthakatha. They are lost now though some meagre fragments remain.
The commentaries that are in existence now are the works of Buddhaghosa and later commentators.
What we call Theravada is now based on the PED dictionary. A dictionary based on Sanskrit.
It is a dictionary of a language called Pali. Volumes have been written on the origin of Pali and the question still remains open.

The information given above is for the purpose of a discussion. All the information is verifiable. What is given above is of great importance to those who want to know what Lord Buddha pointed out to this world.

DGDC
:anjali:
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Kim OHara
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Location: North Queensland, Australia

Re: Definition Theravada

Post by Kim OHara »

Welcome to DW, DGDC :hello:
What you have posted isn't particularly new to most folk here, and not particularly controversial although (of course) incomplete because it is so short. What was it that you wanted to discuss?

:namaste:
Kim
paul
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Re: Definition Theravada

Post by paul »

The following is an extract from Bikkhu Bodhi's book 'Facing the Future', from the essay, 'Sangha at the Crossroads':

"Today it isn't only Buddhism in Sri Lanka that is at the crossroads, but the Sangha as well and the direction it takes will determine the future of the Sasana. The challenges of our age are unique and unprecedented and they require intelligent responses governed by the wide, profound perspectives of the Dhamma. Mechanical repetitions of the formulas of the past won't work.If the Sangha continues to adhere unthinkingly to established, self-stultifying structures and does not take up the urgent task of internal criticism and renewal, it will be condemning itself and Sri Lankan Buddhism, to irrelevance. For both alert lay Buddhists and the world community as a whole, it will be just another antiquated institution struggling to hang on to its privileges."

"But if the Sangha is to rise up to this challenge, it must be ready to make some radical changes in its own system of recruitment, training and practice. True, this will be a difficult task, but it is one that must be met".
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mikenz66
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Re: Definition Theravada

Post by mikenz66 »

PDF available here, amongst other places:
https://archive.org/details/FacingTheFuture

:anjali:
Mike
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Mkoll
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Re: Definition Theravada

Post by Mkoll »

Kim OHara wrote:Welcome to DW, DGDC :hello:
What you have posted isn't particularly new to most folk here, and not particularly controversial although (of course) incomplete because it is so short. What was it that you wanted to discuss?

:namaste:
Kim
Good question. :thumbsup:
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa
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