Some core principles of the “Modern Theravada”
[By Dr. David N. Snyder]
As shown above and in the quotes above, the progressive views of Modern Theravada are in line
with the teachings of the Buddha. Listed below are some core principles (that differentiate it
from the literalist or fundamentalist views):
1. There is an equal importance to the practices of meditation, sutta study, discussion, and
devotional practices. But there is especially an emphasis on meditation and sutta study over
rites, rituals, and ceremonies.
2. Men and women can practice together in a monastic environment.
3. The Dhamma can be taught in English or other language of the local community.
4. An international electronic sangha can exist.
5. All Buddhist traditions are not only vehicles toward complete perfect enlightenment but
that they can teach each other.
6. Lay persons can not only teach other lay persons but can teach monks as well.
7. Women can teach men . . . and monks.
8. Women can become fully ordained bhikkhunis (nuns), if they so choose.
9. One can interpret the planes of existence as physical places or as mental states and
neither view precludes one from being called a Buddhist.
10. A tendency to move toward vegetarianism and concern for the environment. Modern
Theravadins would most likely be vegetarian or at least mostly vegetarian.
Notes/sources for above:
There are several suttas that provide support for the above, but listed below are some examples
for each point above:
1. ―It is bhikkhus, because he has developed and cultivated one faculty that a bhikkhu who has
destroyed the taints declares final knowledge thus. What is that one faculty? The faculty of
wisdom.‖ Samyutta Nikaya 48
―And which are the five lower fetters? Self-identity views; uncertainty; attachment to rites,
rituals, and ceremonies; sensual desire; and ill will.‖ Anguttara Nikaya 10.13
2. In the modern world, there may not be enough centers to provide for gender segregation of
monastic communities, especially in countries that are predominantly non-Buddhist. This is in
keeping with the Buddha‘s wish for the Dhamma to be spread far and wide:
―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
3. ―I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to learn the word of the Buddhas each in his own dialect.‖
Cullavaga, Vinaya
4. Also in keeping with spreading of the Dhamma, as number 2 above, Samyutta Nikaya 4.453
5. ―Another person has practiced the making of merit by giving as well as by moral discipline to
a high degree; but he has not undertaken the making of merit by meditation. With the breakup
of the body, after death, he will be reborn among humans in a favorable condition. Or he will be
reborn in the company of the devas of the Four Great Kings.‖ Anguttara Nikaya 4.241-243
6. ―But he who lives purely and self assured, in quietness and virtue, who is without harm or
hurt or blame, even if he wears fine clothes, so long as he also has faith, he is a true seeker.‖
Dhammapada, chapter 10, verse 142
―There is no fetter bound by which Citta the householder could return to this world.‖ Samyutta
Nikaya 41.9 (Citta was a non-returner and a lay man)
―I say there is no difference between a lay follower who is liberated in mind and a bhikkhu who
has been liberated in mind, that is, between one liberation and the other.‖
Samyutta Nikaya 55.54
7. ―The bhikkhuni Dhammadina is wise, Visakha, the bhikkhuni Dhammadina has great
wisdom. If you had asked me the meaning of this, I would have explained it to you in the same
way that the bhikkhuni Dhammadina has explained it. Such is its meaning and you should
remember it.
Majjhima Nikaya 44.31 (On the occasion of bhikkhuni Dhammadina giving a Dhamma talk to a
man with the Buddha listening.)
8. ―I will not take final Nibbana till I have nuns and female disciples who are accomplished, till
I have laymen and laywomen followers who are accomplished.‖
Digha Nikaya 16.3.8
9. Mara‘s three offspring are named Lobha, Dosa and Moha, meaning Greed, Hatred and
Delusion (mental states). Samyutta Nikaya 1 Mara-samyutta
10. ―Monks, a lay follower should not engage in five types of business. Which five? Business in
weapons, business in human beings, business in meat, business in intoxicants, and business in
poison. Anguttara Nikaya 5.177
―He should not kill a living being, nor cause it to be killed, nor should he incite another to kill.
Do not injure any being, either strong or weak, in the world.
Khuddaka Nikaya, Sutta Nipata, Dhammika Sutta
************to be continued*****************
yawares
"Prince Vitasoka" who became a great bhikkhu