White elephants; Lampang at last

> The Abhayagiri appears to be a hill or mountain
> in or near the town of Pegu.

The one thought that has come to my mind in the course of this:
"Why assume that 'Abhayagiri' is a literal mountain?"  Given that it is the
name of an orthodox lineage, etc., it seems to me more likely that the
references are simply to a place (such as a temple or sima-ground)
associated with the "Abhayagiri" orthodoxy.  Again, the business about the
banner/flag from the mountain, etc., seemed to me to make more sense as an
abstract (rathern than literal) description.

I've read a few confusing Pali statements about "the banner" of Buddhist
orthodoxy, being a figurative term for the robe, and suggesting the religion
in general.

This is a very shallow reply --I'm too busy with other nonsense, and I admit
that I did not stare at the Pali very carefully.

If my health recovers, I will depart for Lampang (i.e., Wat _Ta Ma O_) in a
few days.  I will probably spend fully two days in transit before arriving
there (crossing the Loei mountain range ... again).  If anyone has any
current contacts there, I should perhaps send a note warning them before my
arrival?  I will probably just write a note that says "Kaccayana" in Thai
script, and hold it in front of my face until the monks take pity on me.

E.M.



--
A saying of the Buddha from http://metta.lk/
View Streaming Dhamma Video http://dharmavahini.tv/
And this becomes the beginning here for a wise Bhikkhu: sense-control,
contentment, restraint with regard to the Fundamental Code (patimokkha),
association with beneficent and energetic friends whose livelihood is pure.
Random Dhammapada Verse 375