[Buddha-l] Re: Earliest Buddhist Customs and Liturgy

[Franz Metcalf]

Gang,

I think there is some dispute about just how Brahmanized Magadha was at 
the time of the Buddha. Certainly the kingdoms further west were more 
Brahmin-centric. Richard's mention of the words of brahmins regarding 
the cultural level of Magadha support this view. This dispute is one 
reason I'm looking forward to reading Dr. Links' thesis. I'm expecting 
it to directly address possible differences between the practices of 
samanas (such as the Buddhists) in Magadha from the practices of 
samanas or brahmanas in, say, Kosala.

Thanks, Richard and Joanna, for all your help. I'll report on the book 
when I get it.

Franz