--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "Jou [Joe] Smith" <josmith.1@...> > >
Robert:
The Theravada Bhikkhus over the 2600 years of this Buddhasasana have

> > faithfully preserved the Dhamma for us to learn from. And we

should

> > have the utmost gratitude that they were not swayed to alter it

or

> > add to it.
>====================
>

Jou: I believe the Buddha is recorded to have predicted the teaching
would

> get corrupted with certain conditions and you seem to be saying it

has

> not, thereby calling the Buddha a liar or a fool. The

Saasana/Teaching

> is an impermanent thing.
> =============

Dear Jou,
I think you misunderstood me. I wasn't calling the Buddha a liar or
a fool.
I agree that he said the teachings will become corrupted. And in
fact this was the concern of the Venerable Bhikkhus at the councils.
Mahakassapa presided over the first one where the Abhidhamma, Vinaya
and suttanta were recited. And also at this time many of the ancient
commentaries were recited. It is because of these monks that we now
have the Tipitaka still kept in such a pristine condition.
Certainly as time passes there is less respect or understanding of
the Tipitaka and rather than learning from the ancients people will
prefer their own interpretations. It is happening very quickly.
Sangham saranam gacchami.
To the Sangha I go for refuge
RobertK