Re. Chain letters in pre-modern India

[R Srinivasan]

<<Is there any evidence that it worked? Are there
other examples?>>
Whether it worked or not depends largely on the faith of the
devotee/votary/aspirant. But, unlike modern chains, nowhere in the Mahayana
sutras do we have the deadly negative impact of what happens if we don't
read/recite/write...point to ponder!
Radhika

-----Original Message-----
From: Indology [mailto:INDOLOGY at LISTSERV.LIV.AC.UK]On Behalf Of Ven.
Tantra
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 2:27 AM
To: INDOLOGY at LISTSERV.LIV.AC.UK
Subject: Re. Chain letters in pre-modern India


<<Is there any evidence that it worked? Are there
other examples?>>

This frequently occurs in devotional Mahayana sutras;
i.e., claims of inestimable merits resulting from
expounding respective texts. Even the Diamond Sutra
(vajracchedika-prajna-paramita) affirms that  those
who are able to receive, hold in mind, read, recite
and expound it widely to others will achieve
inexpressible and inconceivable merits without measure
or limit.  This has long been an impetus for vigorous
re-print and free-distribution activities particularly
among the Chinese, from ancient times to today. Spread
the word.

VT


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