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Introduction by Rick StClair (stclair@mit.edu):
At this location I post an important Buddhist Ecumenical statement which was formulated by the Venerable Walpola Rahula, a Buddhist highly esteemed by all schools of Buddhism in our time. In this statement entitled "Basic Points Unifying the Theravada and the Mahayana," Ven. Rahula provides the Buddhist world community with a blueprint of tolerance and a positive way of viewing one another. If we are to make Buddhism in action the Great Vehicle which it is in the sutras, I feel we need to practice gentleness, patience, tolerance and support for one another. Without these attributes, our Buddhism is as tinkling brass. This is not simply a matter of "image-polishing" for the non-Buddhist world at large, but is part and parcel of what I feel Buddhism is all about, namely, the way to the cessation of suffering. What better way to begin this process than by ceasing the suffering which is generated when we wrangle over the differences between our practices and beliefs?
Stephen Evans, who contributed this posting to the talk.religion.buddhism newsgroup, reported the following: "The World Buddhist Sangha Council was first convened by Theravadins in Sri Lanka in 1966 with the hope of bridging differences and working together. The first convention was attended by leading monks, from many countries and sects, Mahaayaana as well as Theravaada. The following, written by Ven. Walpola Rahula was approved unanimously."
Here then follows the text:
Basic Points Unifying The Theravada and The Mahayana
by Ven. Walpola Rahula1. The Buddha is our only Master.
2. We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
3. We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God.
4. Following the example of the Buddha, who is the embodiment of Great Compassion (mahaa-karu.naa) and Great Wisdom (mahaa- praj~naa), we consider that the purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living beings without discrimination and to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth.
5. We accept the Four Noble Truths, nameley Dukkha, the Arising of Dukkha, the Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the universal law of cause and effect as taught in the pratiitya-samutpaada (Conditioned Genesis or Dependent Origination).
6. We understand, according to the teaching of the Buddha, that all conditioned things (sa.mskaara) are impermanent (anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).
7. We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment (bodhipak.sa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment.
8. There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment, according to the ability and capacity of each individual: namely as a disciple (sraavaka), as a Pratyeka-Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order to save others.
9. We admit that in different countries there are differences with regard to the life of Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the essential teachings of the Buddha.
Source: Walpola Rahula; The Heritage of the Bhikkhu; (New York, Grove Press, 1974); pp. 100, 137-138.
Taken from: http://web.mit.edu/ctpid/www/imvp/StClair-mail.html