It might be helpful to point out what the World Buddhist Sangha Council said
about this issue of "right teachings." The coucil met in 1966 in Sri Lanka and
it was a meeting between leading monks of both schools and many traditions as
well as many ethnic backgrounds. This is what they agreed on unanimously:
Basic Points Unifying The Theravada and the Mahayana
by Ven. Walpola Rahula
1. The Buddha is our only Master.
2. We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
3. We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God.
4. Following the example of the Buddha, who is the embodiment of Great Compassion
(mahaa-karu.naa) and Great Wisdom (mahaa- praj~naa), we consider that the
purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living beings without discrimination and
to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the
realization of Ultimate Truth.
5. We accept the Four Noble Truths, nameley Dukkha, the Arising of Dukkha, the
Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the
universal law of cause and effect as taught in the pratiitya-samutpaada (Conditioned
Genesis or Dependent Origination).
6. We understand, according to the teaching of the Buddha, that all conditioned things
(sa.mskaara) are impermanent (anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and
unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).
7. We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment
(bodhipak.sa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to
Enlightenment.
8. There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment, according to the ability
and capacity of each individual: namely as a disciple (sraavaka), as a
Pratyeka-Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened
Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a
Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order to save others.
9. We admit that in different countries there are differences with regard to the life of
Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and practices, rites and ceremonies, customs
and habits. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the
essential teachings of the Buddha.
Source: Walpola Rahula; The Heritage of the Bhikkhu; (New York, Grove Press,
1974); pp. 100, 137-138.
Other parts of Mayucha's homepage
Get your own Free Home Page