190. Q. Does popular Buddhism contain nothing but what is true, and in accord with science?
A. Like every other religion that has existed many centuries, it certainly now contains untruth mingled with truth; ever gold is found mixed with dross. The poetical imagination, the zeal, or the lingering superstition of Buddhist devotees have, in various ages, and in various lands, caused the noble principles of the Buddha's moral doctrines to be coupled more or less with what might be removed to advantage.
191. Q. When such perversions are discovered, what should be the true Buddhist's earnest desire?
A. The true Buddhist should be ever ready and anxious to see the false purged away from the true, and to assist, if he can. Three great Councils of the Sangha were held for the express purpose of purging the body of Teachings from all corrupt interpolations.
192. Q. When?
A. The first, at Sattapanni cave, just after the death of the Buddha; the second at Valukarama, in Vaisali; the third at Asokarama Vihāra, at Pātaliputra, 235 years after Buddha's decease.
193. Q. In what discourse does the Buddha himself warn us to expect this perversion of the true Doctrine?
A. In the Sanyutta Nikāya.
194. Q. Are there any dogmas in Buddhism which we are required to accept on faith?
A. No: we are earnestly enjoined to accept nothing whatever on faith; whether it be written in books, handed down from our ancestors, or taught by the sages.