Re: L.S. Cousins & the dating of texts

Dear Jim,
op 29-07-2003 14:31 schreef Jim Anderson op jimanderson_on@...:

> It's going to be hard for me to respond to Lance's reply as I happen
> to believe that the relics do possess some power. I also think that
> the teaching of the 3 parinibbaanas is a very old one known to the
> Buddha and the arahants who also would have recollected the same
> phenomena during the times of previous Buddhas. Now, how do you
> explain that to a group of sceptical academics?
N: Thank you for your impressive mail on the relics. Each time when in India
with Acharn Sujin we pay respect to the relics in Sarnath and these are put
on our heads by the head monk. He is very kind and gives us this opportunity
especially when we come together with Acharn Sujin. Generally they show the
relics to the public only once a year. We are always very impressed, the
relics are the only physical remains that is left of the Buddha. We pay
respect, but at the same time Acharn Sujin warns us not to cling, there can
easily be attachment, taking attachment for confidence and devotion.
Anumodana that you helped with the reconstruction of two stupas. I do not
have the Thupavamsa.
Sceptical academics should visit the holy places in India themselves, then
they may change their minds.
Nina.