Theravada Buddhism....composite forms of Dharmic teachings?

[stefos]

Hi everyone,

 

I've been initiated into Guru Yoga by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu.

 

I've also been doing Buddhist historical studies as well.

 

When I see how changes took place within the Sangha, as it were, I see that the Buddha taught a particular way. This way, I believe, is found in portions in the Pali Nikayas.

 

So, since Theravada Buddhism can contend to be the oldest "complete" ancient form of Buddhism, along with the Sarvastivada (found "embedded" only in Tibetan Buddhist circles mind you), I had a question:

 

Scholars claim that the Nikayas are an amalgamation of more recent addendums "Milindapanha" with more ancient texts "Majjhima Nikaya", "Udana", "Ittivuttaka"

 

Do YOU believe that the Pali texts and Theravada Buddhists reflect a composite mixture of various "modern" and "ancient" forms of practice or not?

 

Ex. Jhanas/Kasinas/Mindfulness of Breath

 

Thank you,

stefos