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**Plulpangepler** · 12-26-2010, 10:57 AM

I.Should we explore all the different Buddhist traditions or - just get to know and practice one properly first?
2.Do you think its ok to take the parts we like from different traditions, and mix them up together?

1. I think we should have a good understanding of the basic teachings that are common (or common-ish) to all forms of Buddhism, and also what makes these "schools" different, before we first choose a tradition. That is where we should explore... prior to choosing. Once we have made a choice, we should be aware of those commonalities and practice diligently, barring any complete inability to benefit from the practice. Judge your tradition and practice thusly -- 'These qualities lead to dispassion, not to passion; to being unfettered, not to being fettered; to shedding, not to accumulating; to modesty, not to self-aggrandizement; to contentment, not to discontent; to seclusion, not to entanglement; to aroused persistence, not to laziness; to being unburdensome, not to being burdensome'.

2. I think it's okay, if you fully understand the "part" you are changing, adding to or removing from your tradition. The various practices are all meant to be skillful means to cultivating wholesome mental states and leading to liberation; or at least that's what they should be. If you don't understand how the "part" works, be wary. Most traditions are packaged as "everything you need", and should have practices that work in much the same way even if they are called something else. The division between the schools is growing with each new tradition; know what you want to get out of the practice before you begin.

Namaste

12-26-2010, 10:57 AM	#3
Plulpangepler Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 366 Senior Member	I.Should we explore all the different Buddhist traditions or - just get to know and practice one properly first? 2.Do you think its ok to take the parts we like from different traditions, and mix them up together? 1. I think we should have a good understanding of the basic teachings that are common (or common-ish) to all forms of Buddhism, and also what makes these "schools" different, before we first choose a tradition. That is where we should explore... prior to choosing. Once we have made a choice, we should be aware of those commonalities and practice diligently, barring any complete inability to benefit from the practice. Judge your tradition and practice thusly -- 'These qualities lead to dispassion, not to passion; to being unfettered, not to being fettered; to shedding, not to accumulating; to modesty, not to self-aggrandizement; to contentment, not to discontent; to seclusion, not to entanglement; to aroused persistence, not to laziness; to being unburdensome, not to being burdensome'. 2. I think it's okay, if you fully understand the "part" you are changing, adding to or removing from your tradition. The various practices are all meant to be skillful means to cultivating wholesome mental states and leading to liberation; or at least that's what they should be. If you don't understand how the "part" works, be wary. Most traditions are packaged as "everything you need", and should have practices that work in much the same way even if they are called something else. The division between the schools is growing with each new tradition; know what you want to get out of the practice before you begin. Namaste
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