[Buddha-l] A Different Take on Devadatta

[W. Codling]

Yes, Richard, that twigs a memory and the further details that his 
lineage wore blue robes and emphasized service to others (as in hostels 
where Chinese pilgrims could stay).  Do these elaborations sound 
familiar?  I do not recall where I read this stuff but I know that 
Buddhist communities, if they take it into their collective heads to do 
so, are fully capable of demonizing a decent person who is deemed a 
threat.  So it seems plausible to me.
Wayne
Richard Hayes wrote:
> In the Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, Mallalasekera lists numerous
> passages in which Devadatta is portrayed as an exemplary monk and a
> brilliant teacher. Centuries after the Buddha died, Chinese pilgrims
> reported that there were monasteries who followed Devadatta rather than
> the Buddha. So there is quite a bit of evidence available that he was
> regarded as a fine teacher and a leader. This suggests that the
> portrayal of him as a traitor were politically motivated. The specific
> political issue apparently had to do with laxity in discipline. 
>