> First, the Pali canon didn't begin to be put to paper until 100-200 years after the buddha, so like Jesus, there aren't clear first-hand records. Yes and the

> First, the Pali canon didn't begin to be put to paper until 100-200 years after the buddha, so like Jesus, there aren't clear first-hand records. Yes and there are people who suspect that the “Buddha” wasn’t one person, but representative of teachings passed down from a bunch of gurus over the years. Also, it was the fourth Buddhist council where stuff was written down. That was like 300 years after parinirvana. True to human nature, 70 years after parinirvana the Sangha had already split (second Buddhist council). And even if there were firsthand records, even if we knew the “actual message”, I’m not sure that really adds much credibility in my mind. You have an interesting story. Based on you using “skillfull” for “kusala” I assume you’ve read Thanissaro’s translations. Where did you ordain?