Dear Bhante,

> This is off the (very interesting) topic, but seeing your remark
> below reminds me of the earlier discussion on the connection between
> the Dhammaguptas and the Mahaviharavasins. If, as claimed by some,
> Yonaka Dhammarakkhita is the founder of the Dharmaguptas, it is
> interesting that he and followers participated in such an auspicious
> event in Sri Lanka.

Yes, I suspected that his presence in Sri Lanka might have other
ramifications but did not comment on those as I was unsure of
Dhammarakkhita's affiliation. No doubt the redactors of the Mahavamsa would
have put the mention of his accompanying bhikkhus in inverted commas if such
had existed in those days so that good Theravadin readers would know that
they were not real monks :)

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge