User:Farang Rak Tham/Teaching methods of the Buddha

The historical person known as the Buddha is supposed by scholars to have taught numerous people, both disciples and outsiders, and in public and private settings. He is considered to have taught in several regional dialects, and as adjusting his methods of teaching depending on his audience.

Becoming a teacher

 * Sarbacker
 * wavering?
 * Kauṇḍinya

Indian context

 * Gombrich
 * therapeutic nature (Brekke)
 * relationship with Jains (Bronkhorst)

Teachings evolved or unchanged
A question that had been debated by scholars, is whether the teachings of the Buddha evolved over time, either because the Buddha insights evolved, or because he found a better way to express those insights. Scholar on Buddhism Alexander Wynne has argued that some early Buddhist discourses such as the Alagaddupama Sutta indicate that the Buddha was in the process of formulating his thoughts, rather than being awakened to the entire doctrine in one instant. Such a discourse would therefore both indicate that the Buddha developed his insights, and that the discourse contains the authentic words of the Buddha.

Subjectivity and epistemology versus ontology

 * Hamilton
 * Gombrich

Skilful means and pragmatism

 * Harvey
 * Major

Didactic structure

 * Wynne

Use of metaphor
Buddhist teachings constantly use metaphor.
 * Rhys Davids