Buddhism: given that Buddha predicted his teachings would disappear in 500 years, why don't we forget about it

Question

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Sorry, I assumed Buddhists would be familiar with the Tripitaka:
"At that time, the Venerable Ananda went to see the Lord. Having sat at one side, he said to the Lord, ''Lord, Mahaprajapati Gautami has accepted the Eight Heavy Duties. The aunt of the Lord has now been ordained.'' The Lord said to Ananda, ''Ananda, if women had not renounced their household lives and ordained in the religion of the Tathagata, the holy life would have lasted long, the core teaching of Buddhism would have remained for a thousand years. Because the ordination of women has occurred in this religion of the Tathagata, the holy life will not last long; the True Dharma will last for only 500 years. Ananda, in whatever religion women are ordained, that religion will not last long. As families that have more women than men are easily destroyed by robbers, as a plentiful rice-field once infested by rice worms will not long remain, as a sugarcane field invaded by red rust will not long remain,

even so the True Dharma will not last long. Ananda, as a man builds a large surrounding dike to prevent the flow of water, I prescribe the Eight Heavy Duties for the nuns to adhere to for the rest of their lives without fail." (Vin. II, 256)

Answer 1

because Buddhist ignore some teachings and heed others as they see fit ...Buddha also said don't make a religion of this.....
Same thing has occurred in all other religions as well!

Answer 2

Perhaps, HE might have made a wrong predition. His teachings may last forever.
However the 500 years are many more years to go and even if HE were right, you just think how many of your next generations would it last. So why you wanna forget about it as his teachings are all about telling you to do only good deeds.
This is what it counts right? To be a good person.

Answer 3

I am also VERY skeptical about the source of this!!! The Buddha identified one of the core errors in the human psyche and clearly identified a practical way for human beings to attain freedom ( enlightenment) from this weakness. This is analogous to Jesus telling us how to attain salvation and redemption from sins. Only the Christians attached guilt to the dogmatic principle of sin and Buddhism focuses on positive reinforcement of our thoughts, intentions and actions

Answer 4

Because it's an everlasting truth.
The Buddha taught us the search for peace and the inner self.
If all mankind were to follow these principles we might just turn out allright. So every Buddhist aspires to do their best and contribute their part towards this goal.

peace and good karma to you

Answer 5

We shouldn't forget because we still die. Buddhism has the best practice and knowledge of dying. It prepares you for the passing of others you love and your own eventual demise.

The Buddhist teachers I've studied with are remarkable people and they also have the most amazing sense of humor. Don't miss out!

Answer 6

as long as people seek enlightenment and inner peace buddhism will always be around. even if buddha did predict it would be gone all that means is that he underestimated its utility to our society

on a side note if this sort of thing entertains you, you should read siddartha, it is an amazing book

Answer 7

Wow. I learn different things everyday I'm on here. I don't think the Asians will forget about it because they are so damn dedicated.

Answer 8

wonder when he said that and which Buddha it was who said it the first or the last. Sounds pretty hoky to me. Check your source

Answer 9

Who say that ? You ? If His teaching have disapeared , then what are 350 million people doing ? Use your brain

Answer 10

Because he forgot that his teachings will be spread worldwide.