Rediscovering Theravada: A Testimony

[SeriousFun136]

@tonysharp

What’s the difference between the two?

@Yasoj

In a nutshell and oversimplified:

Theravada = Pali EBTs + Pali Abhidhamma + Commentaries (incl. Vissudhimagga)

Early Buddhism = Pali EBTs (~ 4 nikayas) + Chinese EBTs (~ agamas) + other EBTs (Tibetan, Sanskrit etc)

You can find multiple perspectives on this topic in these threads:

"Theravada Buddhism" and "Early Buddhism"

To what degree and in what ways are Theravada and “Early Buddhism” in disagreement? To what degree and in what ways are Theravada and “Early Buddhism” in agreement? Early Buddhist Texts (Note: The texts listed are not necessarily early in their entirety, perhaps only partially.) Pali Digha Nikaya Majjhima Nikaya Samyutta Nikaya Anguttara Nikaya Dhammapada Udāna Itivuttaka Sutta Nipāta Thera Gāthā Therī Gāthā Pātimokkhas Suttavibhanga Khandhakas: Mahavagga/Cullavagga Chinese Dirgha-agama …

Difference between Theravada and Early Buddhism

Hi all, I’ve been seeking answers to two questions: How is Early Buddhism different from Theravada? Is it just a question of discarding parts of the Canon that are considered later additions? Or is it a question of discarding parts that are inconsistent with the core doctrines? What role do the Agamas play in all this? In your personal practice, do you view all parts of the Canon as automatically valid for practice and internalization? Or do you believe you can “throw out” elements that a…

Here is a helpful book on the topic of early Buddhist texts specifically, called “The Authenticity of Early Buddhist Texts”:

authenticity.pdf