Modern Theravādin rationalism, characterized by its rejection of mythological, supernatural, and symbolic elements within the Pāli Canon, claims to represent a return to the “pure” teachings of the Buddha. However, this view is neither historically accurate nor true to the spirit of early Buddhism. By selectively interpreting the texts to align with modernist, scientific sensibilities, rationalist Theravāda distorts the Canon’s meaning, denies its rich symbolic depth, and undermines the psychological and spiritual benefits of its teachings. Far from being original or historical, this approach is speculative and narrow, and its reductive worldview poses psychological and spiritual harm to practitioners. A true appreciation of Buddhism, grounded in the Pāli Canon, must embrace the very elements that rationalists dismiss.

The Pāli Canon and Early Buddhism: A Rich, Multidimensional Tradition

The Pāli Canon, the foundational scripture of Theravāda Buddhism, is replete with mythological, supernatural, and symbolic elements. The narratives of devas (celestial beings), Māra (the tempter), nāgas (serpentine spirits), and the cosmology of the 31 planes of existence permeate its suttas, offering a multidimensional framework for understanding the nature of reality and the human condition. These elements were not later additions but were integral to the worldview of the Buddha’s time and to the way his teachings were communicated and understood.

Moreover, the Canon’s visionary and symbolic language serves to convey profound truths in an accessible and evocative manner. For instance, the figure of Māra operates simultaneously as a literal being and as a symbolic representation of inner hindrances, illustrating the interplay between external and internal challenges on the path to liberation. Similarly, the cosmological framework provides a structure for understanding ethical causality and the long-term consequences of actions, inspiring practitioners to cultivate virtue and wisdom.

By rejecting these elements as “later accretions” or irrelevant mythology, modern Theravādin rationalists impose a narrow, reductionist framework onto a tradition that was inherently expansive and multilayered. This not only distorts the historical and cultural context of the Buddha’s teachings but also strips them of their symbolic depth and transformative power.

Rationalist Theravāda: A Speculative Modern Construct

The rationalist tendencies of modern Theravāda emerged primarily in response to colonial critique and the rise of scientific rationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Faced with accusations of superstition and irrationality, some Theravādin reformers sought to present Buddhism as a “rational philosophy” devoid of supernatural or mythological elements. This approach, while appealing to modern sensibilities, is speculative in nature.

There is no historical evidence to support the claim that the Buddha’s original teachings excluded the mythological and symbolic elements found in the Canon. On the contrary, textual scholarship indicates that these elements are present in some of the earliest strata of the Canon, reflecting the worldview of the Buddha and his contemporaries. The rationalist assertion that these elements were later additions is not based on textual or historical evidence but on modern preferences for a demythologized and scientifically compatible Buddhism.

By projecting contemporary values onto ancient texts, rationalist Theravāda departs from its own canonical foundations. It selectively emphasizes certain teachings, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, while ignoring or reinterpreting others that do not fit its rationalist framework. This cherry-picking undermines the integrity of the tradition and reveals the speculative nature of the rationalist approach.

The Narrowness and Harm of Rationalist Theravāda

Modern Theravādin rationalism’s rejection of the symbolic and mythological dimensions of Buddhism results in a narrow and impoverished understanding of the tradition. By reducing the teachings to a set of ethical guidelines or psychological principles, rationalist Theravāda neglects the rich, imaginative, and archetypal elements that inspire and sustain spiritual practice.

This reductionism can also have psychologically unhealthy effects. The mythological and symbolic elements of the Canon serve an important psychological function, providing metaphors and narratives that help practitioners grapple with existential questions, internal conflicts, and the complexities of the human experience. For example, the story of the Buddha’s confrontation with Māra offers a powerful framework for understanding and overcoming fear, doubt, and attachment. Stripping these elements from the tradition leaves practitioners without these valuable tools for self-reflection and growth.

Furthermore, the rationalist emphasis on a demythologized Buddhism risks alienating those who seek a more holistic and integrative spiritual path. By dismissing the supernatural and symbolic dimensions of the tradition, rationalist Theravāda undermines its universal appeal and reduces it to a sterile, overly intellectual exercise. This narrow approach not only limits the transformative potential of the teachings but also fails to address the full spectrum of human needs and aspirations.

Embracing the Fullness of the Buddha’s Teachings

A true appreciation of Buddhism, grounded in the Pāli Canon, must embrace the fullness of the Buddha’s teachings, including the mythological, supernatural, and symbolic elements that modern Theravādin rationalists reject. These elements are not mere relics of a pre-scientific age but are integral to the tradition’s ability to inspire, guide, and transform.

By acknowledging the multidimensional nature of the Canon, practitioners can access the rich symbolic and imaginative resources that it offers. The cosmology, narratives, and archetypes of early Buddhism provide powerful tools for understanding the human condition, cultivating wisdom and compassion, and realizing liberation. Rather than dismissing these elements as irrelevant or outdated, we should seek to understand and integrate them into our practice, recognizing their enduring relevance and value.

Conclusion

Modern Theravādin rationalism, far from being a faithful return to the original teachings of the Buddha, is a speculative and illegitimate construct that distorts the Canon and undermines the richness of the tradition. By rejecting the mythological, supernatural, and symbolic dimensions of Buddhism, rationalist Theravāda imposes a narrow and reductive framework onto a tradition that was inherently expansive and multidimensional. This approach not only fails to do justice to the historical and textual evidence but also deprives practitioners of the psychological and spiritual benefits that these elements provide.

A true appreciation of Buddhism, based on the Pāli Canon, must include the very elements that rationalist Theravāda seeks to exclude. By embracing the fullness of the Buddha’s teachings, we can honour the richness of the tradition and realize its transformative potential in our own lives.