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**ibiDb4uu** · 10-10-2011, 02:59 AM

Although Buddhist scriptures are not revealed by God they might be considered to be revealed by the Buddha.

In addition to my previous comment on this assertion, i would add that this assertion would depend on an altered or equivocated definition of "revealed text". The Buddha was a man, not a "god", and the very definition of "revealed text" presumes a deity as a source.

Certainly, early scriptures such as the sutta pitaka of the Pali Canon will be viewed in this way. Since the Buddha is a human being, are they still regarded as revealed texts, i.e. texts that reveal ultimate truths that may otherwise be inaccessible? And this is changing the definition of "revealed text" as well. "Musical definitions", if you will.

Before revealing the dhamma (truths or teachings) which are recorded in the texts, he had gained enlightenment. He was therefore able to access ultimate truths that are hidden from most people. It could therefore be argued that the texts should be seen as revelations. And, again, this is an equivocation and another change of the meaning of the term "revealed text".

10-10-2011, 02:59 AM	#26
ibiDb4uu Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 490 Senior Member	Although Buddhist scriptures are not revealed by God they might be considered to be revealed by the Buddha. In addition to my previous comment on this assertion, i would add that this assertion would depend on an altered or equivocated definition of "revealed text". The Buddha was a man, not a "god", and the very definition of "revealed text" presumes a deity as a source. Certainly, early scriptures such as the sutta pitaka of the Pali Canon will be viewed in this way. Since the Buddha is a human being, are they still regarded as revealed texts, i.e. texts that reveal ultimate truths that may otherwise be inaccessible? And this is changing the definition of "revealed text" as well. "Musical definitions", if you will. Before revealing the dhamma (truths or teachings) which are recorded in the texts, he had gained enlightenment. He was therefore able to access ultimate truths that are hidden from most people. It could therefore be argued that the texts should be seen as revelations. And, again, this is an equivocation and another change of the meaning of the term "revealed text".
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