Dhamma Discussion

Today, in 2010 or 2553 (Buddhist Era), there are some conflicts in the world. When there are discussions, sometimes they finish in conflict, or confusion. Anyway it is not strange, because there are always two purposes to a discussion; firstly agreement and secondly conflict, or confusion. These two purposes apply to any discussion; there is no exception. Even Buddhist discussion can be divided into these two elements.

Recently in Thailand there has been a lot of conflict taking place within the field of Buddhism. The issues have been about whether monks should carry money, about monastic precepts, chanting Patimokha and the ordination of women monks. People are confused and in conflict about them, about what is right and what is wrong. "The truth is right and opinion is wrong" is an answer. Another question is raised, "What is truth and what is opinion?" "Dhamma (what the Buddha discovered and taught the world) is the truth and discussion (which is full of thoughts and opinions) is opinion" is the answer to this question. However, this answer is not accepted by everyone. So it is not the end of the dispute, or the problem. It is difficult to judge opinion, because it is not the truth. It is probably true to say that people who have an opinion will always live in conflict and confusion.

The Buddha knew about the conflict and confusion that would arise in the future about his Dhamma, so at the Ananda Cetiya in Bhoganagara he taught the four mahapadesa in the Mahapadesa Sutta to his followers, to be respected by great authorities as principal references. Here they are:

1. Whatever has not been objected to as not allowable, if it fits in with what is not allowable and goes against what is allowable, that is not allowable.

2. Whatever has not been objected to as not allowable, if it fits in with what is allowable and goes against what is not allowable, that is allowable.

3. Whatever has not been permitted as allowable, if it fits in with what is not allowable and goes against what is allowable, that is not allowable.

4. Whatever has not been permitted as allowable, of it fits in with what is allowable and goes against what is not allowable, that is allowable. (Vin.I.250)

So if we follow these principal references, there is no problem at all. And one thing Buddhists must bear in mind is that the Dhamma is not for discussion, it is for learning and for practising, or applying in life.