DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Eventually moving from the Tripitaka to other school of Buddhism

**Xqjfxmfk** · 05-21-2012, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the replies guys!

As Element suggests above it is necessary to stick with one approach for enough time to see if it is a good fit for you as an individual, especially in how it relates to the core teachings.

My practice of meditation ultimately is going to be more Zen focused because that is the source from which I learned about meditation.

I can see how certain problems may arise in having two different areas of focus but ultimately I like being knee deep in searching and understanding the differences. I do see however that I may get caught up in minor issues so I need to have some discernment. Ultimately going against the stream or going with the stream is a minor issue of a choice in metaphor. The major issue is how I deal with the arising of negative traits in myself and as I've been learning so far in the MN that it takes wise attention and mindfulness how to decline negative traits.

The problem I see with not doing this, is that it would be easy to miss the essential features and get caught up with focusing on minor aspects.

to add, the Digha Nikaya does not represent the beginning. much of it, probably most of it, was composed after buddha's death

buddha started here: Three Cardinal Discourses of the Buddha

John Ireland's translation of the Itivuttaka is also a very good starting point

I'll check out the three cardinal courses when I feel led towards reading that - I'll bookmark it.

Not sure what you mean by "going against the stream" but if it means that the dhamma is more towards the super mundane than the worldly dhamma, then I have to say that most of the suttas in the majjhima nikaya are such. The MN probably is not the best starting point for a complete beginner.

I agree with what others have said. I personally encourage you to look into the teachings of the Thai forest tradition. Most of the teachings are not contradictory to the suttas but in plain, clear, simple language. It seems like a good palce to start imo

I'll check out that as well.

As much as it seems I'm getting over my neck with all the different replies I do feel a control over not being terribly confused. I sort of am taking an objective approach to it - an aloofness from becoming too involved with identifying with the different schools I am looking into.

I like the idea of getting to the original teachings of the Buddha meanwhile looking at different opinions that evolved over time.

05-21-2012, 10:00 PM	#9
Xqjfxmfk Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 459 Senior Member	Thanks for the replies guys! As Element suggests above it is necessary to stick with one approach for enough time to see if it is a good fit for you as an individual, especially in how it relates to the core teachings. My practice of meditation ultimately is going to be more Zen focused because that is the source from which I learned about meditation. I can see how certain problems may arise in having two different areas of focus but ultimately I like being knee deep in searching and understanding the differences. I do see however that I may get caught up in minor issues so I need to have some discernment. Ultimately going against the stream or going with the stream is a minor issue of a choice in metaphor. The major issue is how I deal with the arising of negative traits in myself and as I've been learning so far in the MN that it takes wise attention and mindfulness how to decline negative traits. The problem I see with not doing this, is that it would be easy to miss the essential features and get caught up with focusing on minor aspects. to add, the Digha Nikaya does not represent the beginning. much of it, probably most of it, was composed after buddha's death buddha started here: Three Cardinal Discourses of the Buddha John Ireland's translation of the Itivuttaka is also a very good starting point I'll check out the three cardinal courses when I feel led towards reading that - I'll bookmark it. Not sure what you mean by "going against the stream" but if it means that the dhamma is more towards the super mundane than the worldly dhamma, then I have to say that most of the suttas in the majjhima nikaya are such. The MN probably is not the best starting point for a complete beginner. I agree with what others have said. I personally encourage you to look into the teachings of the Thai forest tradition. Most of the teachings are not contradictory to the suttas but in plain, clear, simple language. It seems like a good palce to start imo I'll check out that as well. As much as it seems I'm getting over my neck with all the different replies I do feel a control over not being terribly confused. I sort of am taking an objective approach to it - an aloofness from becoming too involved with identifying with the different schools I am looking into. I like the idea of getting to the original teachings of the Buddha meanwhile looking at different opinions that evolved over time.
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