While.. we rarely like to cross link from our group to suttacentral.
Here is an interesting one by Ajahn Sujato. I’m sure the intention is different from his side. In this thread, we can make a summary of his work on this thread leaving out the criticism and lack of faith.
It has a pretty detailed checklist, though i didn’t read all of it. We can make an article based on this, using most of his words as a blueprint.
Sample summary generated by grok.
Summary of Ajahn Sujato’s Checklist: Reframed from an Orthodox Theravāda Perspective
Ajahn Sujato’s essay presents a detailed comparison between what he terms “Early Buddhist Texts” (EBTs) and the developed Theravāda tradition. From an orthodox Theravāda standpoint, the article reveals a pattern of diminished confidence (saddhā) in the full scope of the Buddha’s dispensation as preserved and elucidated by the Saṅgha. Rather than viewing later developments as deviations, we may regard them as faithful elaborations, systematic clarifications, and protective measures that safeguard the Dhamma against misinterpretation, ensuring its vitality across cultures and eras.
General Tendencies
Sujato critiques several overarching features of Theravāda:
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Over-emphasis on not-self (anattā): He suggests Theravāda’s strong focus, partly in response to Puggalavāda, borders on anxiety and drives the Abhidhamma project.
Orthodox reframing: This reflects profound saddhā in the Buddha’s core teaching of anattā. The Kathāvatthu’s detailed refutation upholds the purity of the Dhamma against views that subtly reintroduce a self or person. Far from insecurity, this demonstrates rigorous protection of right view. -
The Two Truths doctrine: Sujato notes its absence in the EBTs and its role in prioritizing Abhidhamma.
Orthodox reframing: The distinction between conventional (sammuti) and ultimate (paramattha) truth provides essential clarity. It allows practitioners to navigate both everyday discourse and the precise analysis of dhammas with their intrinsic characteristics (sabhāva), preventing confusion. -
Abhidhammic systematization and authorship: He questions the traditional account of the Abhidhamma’s teaching in Tusita heaven and sees it as later compilation that sometimes overshadows the Suttas.
Orthodox reframing: The Abhidhamma represents the Buddha’s systematic exposition of the Dhamma in ultimate terms. Its preservation and commentary by Venerable Buddhaghosa embody the collective wisdom of the Saṅgha, offering indispensable tools for deep understanding. -
Linguistic essentialism and loss of Brahmanical context: Sujato contrasts the Buddha’s pragmatic view of language with later claims about Pali.
Orthodox reframing: Reverence for the canonical language and precise terminology upholds the integrity of the Tipiṭaka. Clarifications in the commentaries address gaps that arise when the original cultural context fades, ensuring the Dhamma remains accessible. -
Spirit of inquiry vs. authority: He perceives a shift toward rote learning.
Orthodox reframing: Respect for elders and teachers is an expression of saddhā and humility—essential foundations for progress. Inquiry is encouraged within the framework of established guidance, avoiding the pitfalls of unchecked personal interpretation.
Meditation and Practice
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Meditation methods and retreats: Sujato favors the EBTs’ broader outlines over the Visuddhimagga’s detailed techniques and modern intensive retreats.
Orthodox reframing: The detailed methods in the Visuddhimagga and structured retreats represent compassionate, practical expansions that make profound practice accessible. They have enabled countless practitioners to achieve genuine insight. -
The “bare minimum” mentality: He criticizes tendencies to minimize jhānas or other attainments.
Orthodox reframing: Theravāda encourages realistic assessment of one’s capacities while inspiring aspiration to the highest. The tradition upholds the full grandeur of the path, including the jhānas as praised by the Buddha. -
Devotion vs. meditation: Sujato contrasts devotional practices with contemplative ideals.
Orthodox reframing: Devotional acts—offerings, chanting, and support for the Saṅgha—generate vast merit and create conditions for future practice. They complement meditation and reflect the holistic nature of the Buddha’s teaching.
The Buddha and Related Doctrines
Sujato portrays the EBT Buddha as more human, downplaying elements like the bodhisatta vow, perfections (pāramīs), and cosmic aspects. He also addresses topics such as dependent origination, rebirth, nibbāna, and the role of women/bhikkhunīs.
Orthodox reframing: The Theravāda portrayal of the Buddha as supremely compassionate—developing pāramīs over aeons—deepens saddhā and reverence. These understandings enrich rather than contradict the Suttas, revealing the boundless scope of the Tathāgata’s wisdom and the long-term vision of the Dispensation.
Overall Assessment
Ajahn Sujato’s checklist, while presented with respect, ultimately stems from a scholarly approach that privileges a reconstructed “early” Buddhism over the living Theravāda tradition. From the orthodox perspective, this reflects a certain lack of faith in the Saṅgha’s role as the custodian of the Dhamma. The commentaries and later developments are not dilutions but luminous clarifications that protect the teaching, adapt it wisely to new conditions, and guide beings toward liberation.
The Theravāda tradition has preserved the Suttas with remarkable fidelity while providing the systematic framework (Abhidhamma) and practical manual (Visuddhimagga) needed for effective practice. Far from a list of shortcomings, Sujato’s points highlight the strength and adaptability of a tradition rooted in profound confidence in the Triple Gem. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate saddhā, study the full Tipiṭaka with commentaries, and practice with diligence under qualified teachers. This approach honors the complete dispensation of the Buddha.
May all beings develop faith, wisdom, and attain the peace of Nibbāna.