Myth and legend Flashcards
1
Q
What does Cush argue about writings on the Buddha’s life
A
He argues that much of the reliable truth writings of the Buddha’s life have been intermingled with legend and myth
2
Q
Define legend
A
Stories of factual basis but exaggerated over time
3
Q
Define myth
A
Stories about the Buddha that are symbolic and do not have any factual basis to them
4
Q
Why is there so much legend and myth within Buddhism?
A
One of the ways the Pali canon shows reverence could be through these extreme supernatural elements that show off the Buddha’s importance.
5
Q
Why were these stories important to uneducated people
A
Because they may not have understood the importance of the Buddha’s teachings on their own so instead it is taught via mythological stories
