[Buddha-l] A Different Take on Devadatta

[Franz Metcalf]

Gang,

Thanks for the fascinating conjectures on Devadatta. Coincidentally, in 
the novel I'm writing, Devadatta figures prominently. In my version of 
the family, Devadatta is Yasodara/Bhaddakaccana's brother. His problem 
with the Siddattha/Buddha is then twofold: 1) Siddattha leaves her and 
their son for years; 2) later, the Buddha fails to keep the new order 
respectable by upholding proper austerity. I think Devadatta is very 
reasonably righteous about both these matters. Of course later he had 
to be painted in the blackest way so as to provide a useful villain. He 
and his followers are to Buddhism roughly as the "Priests and 
Pharisees" are to Christianity (especially in Matthew, written after 
the destruction of the Second Temple).

Cheers,

Franz