Re: about Sayadaw U Thittila

Venerable Bhante Pandita,
your remarks make me understand many things, I am glad you made them.
op 26-01-2005 11:32 schreef Ven. Pandita op ashinpan@...:
  PTS is the
> the symbol of western Pali studies in Burma; accordingly, all western
> Pali and Buddhist scholars come to be suspisciously viewed. This
> situation continues to date.
>... Mutual understanding is almost nil.

N: The Burmese are right, I understand the deep seated feelings. Westerners
can be hautain. There is also a language barrier and this prevents mutual
openness and admiration of each other's culture. I was glad about Jim's link
to a Burmese website and see those admirable Sayadaws who could pass such
difficult exams. This is not known to Westerners at all. Also what I
mentioned before: this eminent Thai professor Somphon Sirawit, who did a
gigantic task translating numerous Co into Thai, but this is not widely
known, he does not speak English.
The Dhamma can help, it teaches us that as soon as we think he is Burmese, I
am Dutch, there is likely to be conceit. Learning that we are only citta,
cetasika and rupa makes us more tolerant.
Now I go back to the time of Buddhaghosa. I better understand people's
attitudes: they find him not logical, or his word associations are not
scientific. Or people mix science with the Dhamma. But one should understand
the goal: helping people to have understanding of the Dhamma, nothing else.
I think we can only explain this to others little by little, very gently and
patiently. Otherwise people will not listen.
Your remarks are food for thought Bhante, thank you.
I just noticed your grammar study you uploaded and I printed it out. Thank
you, I appreciate this very much. It is just what I need.
With respect and anumodana,
Nina.