Wikivinaya:Guidelines of discussion
From Wikivinaya
Although the purpose of WikiVinaya is not to have debates but to compile a resource, it is recognised that discussions are part of the process of writing articles at WikiVinaya. Therefore, the following Rules & Guidelines of Discussion on WikiVinaya have been composed.
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Neutral Zone
WikiVinaya is a non-sectarian, neutral zone. We recognize and celebrate the fact that all Buddhist traditions and schools are rooted in the same original teachings of our Teacher the historical Buddha.
On comparison and truth in the original Vinaya teachings
Different language recensions (Pāli, Gandhāri, BH Sanskrit, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan) of the original Vinaya-sripture exist, and WikiVinaya is accomodating to all of them. WikiVinaya recognizes the different scriptures as seperate scriptures which exist next to eachother, and in that way they are scriptures on their own. Also WikiVinaya allows comparisons to be made between them, in order to seek the original Vinaya-teachings of the Buddha amongst the earliest records in all these language recensions.
Asserting and insisting dogmatically that one has found and possesses the one and only true interpretation of the extremely complex and uncertain evidence is not appropriate. One may feel confident about one’s own interpretation, and one may politely argue against other interpretations, but one should never deny them the right to hold a different interpretation or to remain unconvinced. As Voltaire said: “I may disagree with what you say, but I would defend to the death your right to say it.” (Maybe not to the death!)
Politeness and friendliness
Always keep your posts and replies polite, friendly and inoffensive, especially when you don't agree.. ‘Offensive’ here shall mean: using abusive, insulting or demeaning language against another member (ad hominem arguments). Questioning or casting doubt upon the historicity and authenticity of any scriptural text or interpretation shall not be regarded as ‘offensive’. Provocative posting – in the sense of messages that provoke analytical discussion and debate – is allowed and encouraged, but never aim your provocation at anyone personally.
On Views
Don't assume that all Buddhists share the same 'views about views'. The view that 'all fixed views are wrong' is also a fixed view and no evidence in support of it from the earliest scriptures has yet been shown (to me).
Moderators
The role of the moderators (anuvijjakā) in discussions at WikiVinaya is to restrain contributors who attack or abuse anyone personally, to encourage newcomers and to support those who are less powerful. It is not the role of a moderator to censure views that he or she personally disagrees with. Moderators should remain impartial at all times in their role as a moderator, and perservere in not allowing a personal agenda or affiliation to compromise their impartiality.
Some ancient advice
The following further guidelines come from the Pāli Parivāra, Cūlasaṅgama & Mahāsaṅgama, which contain detailed guidelines on the proper handling of disputes and accusations in the Order:
“(…) thinking ‘I have gained a faction’ he is not to despise another faction, thinking ‘I am very learned’ he is not to despise one who has little learning, thinking ‘I am very senior’ he is not to despise one less senior” (…) – One should not rely on an argument from majority, one should not use one’s great learning to belittle another, one should not rely on one’s social status to suppress another’s viewpoint, one should not claim support from a well known authority expecting whatever he or she says to be accepted uncritically (na nissitajappī) as self-authorising.
“One ought not to submit [as evidence] what is invalid”: one ought not to submit [as evidence] a burden [of evidence] that has not been submitted [to comparison]” (the term ‘submit’ (ohita) here is a key word referring to the Four Great Criteria, cattāro mahāpadesa). This is not the place for arguments from authority, except arguments from scripture. When submitting an argument from scripture as evidence in debate one ought not to submit it without having compared it for consistency with the greater body of scripture already accepted as probably authentic. Especially in this forum, one should not assume or assert that any part of the scriptures preserved in any tradition should not be submitted to historical analysis and comparison.
Citations
It is good to give a reference, ideally for every point you make, preferably to a scripture widely accepted as early and authentic, and then please try to give a citation for every quote and give the citation in a form that is easily understood. For example, when quoting from the Pāli canon the most convenient citation system is the PTS volume and page number because this can be found in every edition consistently. E.g. “[SN vol.2 p.123]” meaning “Saṁyutta-nikāya, volume two, page one hundred and twenty three”. Citations to the PTS should be to the Pāli edition unless you clearly state otherwise. The PTS references can also be found in the CSCD and Sri-Jayanti online editions.
