--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Piya Tan <libris@...> wrote:

> The point is the earliest statement of inmmediate rebirth is found

in the Milinda Panha, not in the Suttas.

Earlier than the Milinda is the Kathaavatthu. Earlier than the
Kathaavatthu are the Sutta and Vinaya accounts of Devadatta and other
persons' immediate descent into hell.

Best wishes,
Dhammanando