Question about Theravada tradition

Exploring Theravāda's connections to other paths - what can we learn from other traditions, religions and philosophies?
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Wesley1982
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Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Wesley1982 »

How did Theravada tradition become distinct from Mahayana & Vajrayana tradtions? . .thanks
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Khalil Bodhi
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Khalil Bodhi »

This is a pretty sticky topic but it may be more accurate to turn the question on its head and ask how the Mahayana and Vajrayana become distinct traditions largely without reference to the Pali Canon. Let the controversy begin anew... :tongue:
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Alex123
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Alex123 »

Wesley1982 wrote:How did Theravada tradition become distinct from Mahayana & Vajrayana tradtions? . .thanks
Didn't Mahayana and Vajrayana develop AFTER Theravada?
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Wesley1982
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Wesley1982 »

I didn't think it was a hot topic. :popcorn: Theravada must be regionally Indian where Gautama Buddha lived and died - Mahayana and Vajrayana must have been "introduced" to Tibet, parts of Asia, and China.
Last edited by Wesley1982 on Mon May 28, 2012 10:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Wesley1982
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Wesley1982 »

Alex123 wrote:
Wesley1982 wrote:How did Theravada tradition become distinct from Mahayana & Vajrayana tradtions? . .thanks
Didn't Mahayana and Vajrayana develop AFTER Theravada?
Yes, I think so. Or maybe parallel along the same time <?>
Maitri
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Maitri »

Alex123 wrote:
Wesley1982 wrote:How did Theravada tradition become distinct from Mahayana & Vajrayana tradtions? . .thanks
Didn't Mahayana and Vajrayana develop AFTER Theravada?
That depends on who you ask. For example in the T'ien T'ai (Tendai) chronological categories, the Avatamsaka Sutra was taught first right after the Buddha achieved Enlightenment. Modern scholarship will disagree with this.

Theravada states that the first teachings was the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. So I guess it's important to ask from which view are you investigating this question.
"Upon a heap of rubbish in the road-side ditch blooms a lotus, fragrant and pleasing.
Even so, on the rubbish heap of blinded mortals the disciple of the Supremely Enlightened One shines resplendent in wisdom." Dhammapada: Pupphavagga

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SDC
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by SDC »

Wesley1982 wrote:How did Theravada tradition become distinct from Mahayana & Vajrayana tradtions? . .thanks
Because people interpret things differently and can't come to an agreement.
“Life is swept along, short is the life span; no shelters exist for one who has reached old age. Seeing clearly this danger in death, a seeker of peace should drop the world’s bait.” SN 1.3
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Wesley1982
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Wesley1982 »

Of course, Theravada tradition can be looked up on Wikipedia but its better to discuss it.
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SDC
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by SDC »

Wesley1982 wrote:Of course, Theravada tradition can be looked up on Wikipedia but its better to discuss it.
Since this topic can be exhausting, has been discussed many times before, and you are a new member, it may help if you give a few reasons why you want to have this discussion. Just an idea.
“Life is swept along, short is the life span; no shelters exist for one who has reached old age. Seeing clearly this danger in death, a seeker of peace should drop the world’s bait.” SN 1.3
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Wesley1982
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Wesley1982 »

SDC wrote:
Wesley1982 wrote:Of course, Theravada tradition can be looked up on Wikipedia but its better to discuss it.
Since this topic can be exhausting, has been discussed many times before, and you are a new member, it may help if you give a few reasons why you want to have this discussion. Just an idea.
I spent some time over at the other Dharma Wheel forum before coming here. Did not know this would be a hot topic
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tiltbillings
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by tiltbillings »

It is not a hot topic. It is now in the "Open Dhamma" section.
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12

This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
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SDC
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by SDC »

Wesley1982 wrote:Did not know this would be a hot topic
Definitely not hot, just very broad.

EDIT - Sorry for coming off like a cynical pr*#k.
Last edited by SDC on Tue May 29, 2012 1:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
“Life is swept along, short is the life span; no shelters exist for one who has reached old age. Seeing clearly this danger in death, a seeker of peace should drop the world’s bait.” SN 1.3
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Polar Bear
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by Polar Bear »

When did followers of the Dhamma-Vinaya start calling themselves Theravadins?
"I don't envision a single thing that, when developed & cultivated, leads to such great benefit as the mind. The mind, when developed & cultivated, leads to great benefit."

"I don't envision a single thing that, when undeveloped & uncultivated, brings about such suffering & stress as the mind. The mind, when undeveloped & uncultivated, brings about suffering & stress."
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retrofuturist
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,
polarbuddha101 wrote:When did followers of the Dhamma-Vinaya start calling themselves Theravadins?
Presumably when they felt the need to differentiate themselves from those who didn't?

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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SDC
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Re: Question about Theravada tradition

Post by SDC »

polarbuddha101 wrote:When did followers of the Dhamma-Vinaya start calling themselves Theravadins?
Probably when they realized that by just calling themselves "Buddhist" meant that they believed in everything that was classified as Buddhism; of which there was a great deal that they did not agree with.

EDIT - Retro beat me.
“Life is swept along, short is the life span; no shelters exist for one who has reached old age. Seeing clearly this danger in death, a seeker of peace should drop the world’s bait.” SN 1.3
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