As the Buddhist monastic institution developed, the conservative tradition became rather inflexible and insular. Rather than seeking ways of teaching and practice that would be useful in everyday life, the monastic Sangha had a tendency to devote itself to analyzing points of abstract philosophical doctrine, focusing on study of the Abhidharma, the Commentary Collection. These are additional works written to systematize and further expound the teachings of Buddhism. A hair could be split many times, and the prose of the Abhidharma is full of minutely split hairs. Analysis followed upon analysis and the monk-scholars began to enjoy analysis for analysis's sake. In this environment, the practice of mindfulness was there but it could be rather sterile and mechanical, not leading to peace, joy, happiness, and freedom right in the present moment. The method of interpreting, understanding, and practicing the teachings became quite rigid with a hard-line attitude that was difficult for others to accept.
---Thich Nhat Hanh---
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