Which Theravada school is the closest to early Buddhism?

Textual analysis and comparative discussion on early Buddhist sects and scriptures.
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Goofaholix
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Re: Which Theravada school is the closest to early Buddhism?

Post by Goofaholix »

In the Buddhas time monastics lived in the forest.

To the degree that monks live in the forest is the degree to which a modern Theravada school is closest to early Buddhism. In the Thai forest tradition monks live in monasteries but generally they are forest monasteries which is closer to being in the forest, some spend long periods living rough in remote areas so again closer to the original.
Pronouns (no self / not self)
“Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering. Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.”
― Ajahn Chah
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Ceisiwr
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Re: Which Theravada school is the closest to early Buddhism?

Post by Ceisiwr »

Goofaholix wrote: Mon Mar 22, 2021 6:50 am In the Buddhas time monastics lived in the forest.
Not quite. Monasteries had already started to be established when he was alive. The Buddha actually spends a lot of time in them.
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
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