sorry to barge in.

I haven't heard of the "Vism" (forgive my ignorance). Is it a Pali word or
an english word?
what is the authorship? is it some sort of a summary of the tipitaka?
I google searched "Vism" noting helpful came up.

thanks in advance for a reply.
metta.
_______________________________

On 11/22/07, Noah Yuttadhammo <yuttadhammo@...> wrote:
>
> At 22 Nov 2007 16:12:17 +0800 Piya Tan wrote:
> > Ven Yuttadhammo,
> >
> > I often consult the Vism, but I would first check to see if the Suttas
> have
> > the word or
> > concept first. They are like a book (Suttas) and a pair of spectacles
> > (Vism).
> >
> > Even if I do not have my spectacles, I can still beneift from the book,
> but
> > the spectacles
> > would not be so useful without the book :)
>
> Not to be argumentative, but I don't agree with the anology... that is
> saying that the Vism. has no value if taken on its own, which of course is
> to also deny the value of the canonical material it contains.
>
> Maybe the Vism. is like condensed chicken soup, and the tipitaka is like
> adding water and spices. Of course, the latter is to be preferred, but the
> former will do in a pinch, and is much quicker.
>
> Or the Tipitaka is like a vast road map, and the Vism specific directions.
> The former is okay if you have time to study it thoroughly and pick the
> right roads, but the latter will do for someone with little time and a
> destination to reach.
>
> Anyway, take your pick, I've given both.
>
> > Best wishes in your coming exams.
>
> Thank you - an ordination the day before will make things interesting!
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Yuttadhammo
>
>


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