Where are the arahants ?

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DNS
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Re: Where are the arahants ?

Post by DNS »

SarathW wrote: Sat Dec 01, 2018 11:40 am
Even in the suttas we can't see Ariyas get into the business of "spreading the Dhamma" like these days.
Buddha is the greatest missionary of his time
Yes, but not just the Buddha. The Buddha encouraged his monks to spread the Dhamma. A common modern misconception is that Buddhism is not to be spread, that we should not engage in missionary activity. This is false. This doesn't mean we should go out and hit people on the head with a Dhammapada until they get it and if that doesn't work hit them with the larger Samyutta Nikaya, but the Buddha did encourage missionary activity.

Wander forth, O bhikkhus, for the welfare of the multitude, for the happiness of the multitude, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas and humans. Let not two go the same way. Teach, O bhikkhus, the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, with the right meaning and phrasing.” Samyutta Nikaya 4.453

I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to learn the word of the Buddhas each in his own dialect.” Cullavaga, Vinaya
(meaning the Buddha wanted people in various lands to learn the Dhamma in whatever language was comfortable to them, whatever would reach the largest numbers)

The Buddha was also reluctant to ordain women, believing it might shorten the Dispensation and then allowed it when more rules were added for the bhikkhunis to protect them and the Dispensation.

The Buddha was someone who wanted the religion to last for a long time and to be spread far and wide.
SarathW
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Re: Where are the arahants ?

Post by SarathW »

:goodpost: David
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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