Dear Kumara Bhikkhu (and all)

How are you?

You wrote:

"Perhaps even more interesting & important would be to learn about
the history of the sponsor, i.e., the Mahavihara sect,
which is moulded much of the present Theravadin teachings."

The Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English defines the
term "sect" as follows.

---------------------

sect

• noun 1 a group of people with different religious beliefs
(typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to
which they belong. 2 a group with extreme or dangerous philosophical
or political ideas.

— ORIGIN Latin secta `following, faction', from sequi `follow'.

------------------------------

Please explain how Gotama Buddha's Saasana that is Theravada can be
called a sect in light of the definitions of the term "sect" given
by the Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English.

Recently, Sayadaw Dhammanando Bhikkhu explained how the First
Congress Recital (Pathama Sangiiti) came to be called Theravada, the
Teachings of the Five Hundred Powerful Senior Arahants.

Thus, the term "Theravada" is a reserved word that signifies Gotama
Buddha's Saasanaa.

Of course, Paravaadiis (deviating breakaway sects) such as the
members of so-called Mahasangika may want to downplay the mainstream
status of Arahants's Teachings, and may want to claim the equal
position. But, that can never happen because Paravaadiis are merely
puthujjanas, not Arahants.

With Noble Compassion (Ariya Karu.naa)

Suan Lu Zaw

www.bodhiology.org


PS - Sayadaw means Royal Guru. In Myanmar, genuine Theravada monks
are treated and addressed in the highest possible way.

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Kumaara Bhikkhu <venkumara@...> wrote:

> Dear Rett and all,
>
> At 02:15 AM 26-05-05, rett wrote:
> >Yes, there seem to be two aspects in the commentary. One is that

<snip>>

> peace
>
> Kumâra Bhikkhu
>
> An old error is always more popular than a new truth.
(German proverb)