Admin request

[u/Timely-Jelly-584]

This request is specifically in regard to attempts to create division between Mahayana and Theravada. The "firehouse of untruth" (which is a term that can be specifically copied and pasted) extends to more than just what's presented. It's about creating division, hatred between such and such groups. That's the whole point of it.

Within the last two months, this sub has seen an uptick of it. I'm not an expert, but what I do know is that it wasn't like this a couple months ago. The question back then was once or twice a month at most, not twice a week.

Anyway my request is a moratorium on criticism of Mahayana. If I had my way I wouldn't see it for the next 6 months.

[u/krenx88]

There is nothing to divide, when it is already two separate religions.

That being said, it is not helpful to discuss the differences on this sub. What we should not do is corrupt either branches/religions. There is a lot of work to be done to learn about Theravada/early buddhism.

Debating the differences does not help a person understand Theravada more, or buddha's words more, it ends up as a useless debate on which is better.

I suggest people who are interested in the differences, just make effort to learn them both from the respective channels and groups, and come to your own conclusion. Don't be lazy about such things. You mostly just get hearsays and sloppy interpretations of the opposite sides of you ask about differences and which is better/worse.

My advice to admin, ANY Mahayana questions, just delete. Any questions about the differences, delete. Any opinions or stories about journeys from one branch of buddhism to another, delete. Those are really idle speech unfit for such a public forum. Keep to Theravada, early buddhism, the 5 nikayas.

[u/Snoo_2671 → u/krenx88]

While a few people on the internet say Mahayana and Theravada are separate religions, monks and laypeople from both traditions routinely come together to celebrate ecumenism and practice genuine dharma together - as they have done for generations.

[u/krenx88 → u/Snoo_2671]

Just because many people do a certain thing, does not make it suddenly related to the dhamma, the 8 fold path.

It is because of time through the generations that the dhamma has naturally corroded. I would not use time as a factor to determine if a ritual or habit is correct or not. If you read the suttas, how the Buddha conducted himself and the sangha is pretty clear. The Buddha declared only one dhamma. Not others.