Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c16.33

v1.c16.33

Though the Pāli tradition has nothing but condemnation for Devadatta’s actions, it is apparent that Devadatta was not without some followers and influence, and that his disciplinary principles were not wholly brushed aside by the monks. The adoption of the dhutaṅgas by the Pāli school and the prohibition of eating fish and flesh by the Mahāyānists give the palm to Devadatta. The earliest reference to dhutaṅgas and their excellence is found in the Milindapañha (pp. 351-355) and their full exposition in the Visuddhimagga (pp. 59-83). The thirteen dhutaṅgas are:—