"orthodox", "classical" Theravada Buddhism

 

Re: What does it mean to interpret Suttas according to classical vs non-classical way?

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Post by frank k » Sun Jan 08, 2023 5:21 am

BrokenBones wrote: ↑Sun Jan 08, 2023 3:29 amNon-classical refers to what was recited at the First Council. Classical refers to the Commentaries that appeared later... I know it sounds odd but that's the gist.

"Classical" is just a euphemism people created to try to feel better about themselves.

I think non-classical may also be referring to modern (after "classical" period), which may be subject to other sources of views that deviate from "orthodox".
For example, modern secular may have heretical beliefs such as no karma, no rebirth.
What you're referring to with first council, is EBT (early buddhist teachings) before Abhidhamma became part of the Theravada canon.

Both "classical" and "orthodox" are LBT (later buddhist teachings) that came after EBT.
EBT was before Abhidhamma was added to canon.
EBT was before Theravada "orthodox" commentary was considered authoritative interpretation of the Buddha's teaching.

The problem is, Both "classical" and "orthodox" contain gross and very obvious contradictions with the EBT.
So if you want to take them as authoritative, know that those labels are just euphemisms and propaganda for those schools to pretend their lineage is pure and authentic interpretations of the Buddha's word.
Much like how Mahayana, Vajrayana, modern secular Buddhism all contain new ideas that contradict the EBT, but they lie to themselves in order to believe that their version of Buddhism is a legitimate interpretation of the Buddha's original teachings.

Pretty much just human nature.
No one wants to believe they're following a deviant heterodox version of Buddhism that contain gross contradictions with the Buddha's original teachings.

From the point of view of EBT, "orthodox classical Theravada" is heretical non-orthodox in many important respects.
And the label "Theravada" (sayings of the elders), is quite a joke because those "elders" ignored and contradicted THEIR elders!