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The orthodox views of some Theravadan monks revealed in Correspondence with Richard Estes (aka Bhikkhu Dhammarato) in the guise of Phramaha Somsak 7/21/05

Jhanananda said:

"It has come to our attention at the GWV that remarkably few Buddhist teachers have read the Discourses of the Buddha."

on 7/21/05 8:15 PM, Maha Somsak at watgreensboro@yahoo.com wrote:

How can you know what is in the minds of all thoes monks?  What justification do you have for such a rediculous idea other than self promotion?

Perhaps after you spend a few years in Asia as a temple boy, who will have a greater apreciation for thing becuse then you will know what you know.

Jhanananda's Response 07-28-05

To: Maha Somsak <watgreensboro@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: not true

Hello Ven. Somsak, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am ever so sorry if my invitation to people to study the sutta-pitaka may have offended you.  While you may be familiar with Theravadan monks studying the sutta-pitaka, you maybe surprised to find that very few Mahayanist and Vajranyist monks have ever even read a fragment of the Discourses of the Buddha, and they most probably account for more Buddhist monks than do Theravadans.  Also, you are no doubt familiar with the frequency to which even Theravadan monks resort to the commentaries or the Abhidhamma before they resort to the sutta-pitaka in support of their premises. 

Since ignorance is seen as one of the primary causes of suffering, aside from craving (tanhá), it is thus my only desire to inspire others, even the proud and haughty monks who think only Asian monks can understand the dhamma, to read and study the words of the Buddha.

Kindest regards,

Sotapanna Jhanananda (Jeffrey S. Brooks):

the Great Western Vehicle

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