DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Is anyone else drawn to aspects of both Mahayana and Theravada?

**bestworkother** · 01-26-2012, 07:36 AM

However, I am very attracted to the ideal of Bodhisattvas and the compassion they embody. I also like the Mahayana idea that enlightenment can be achieved by the laity and not just monastics, like it is in Theravada. Hi white_wolf,

I think its a misperception to think that more compassion is practiced in Mahayana just because there's an outward emphasis on the Bodhisattva idea. Its also not true that Theravada teaches that enlightenment can only be achieved by monastics.

I was drawn towards Theravada when still with Vajrayana - and was an offline Tibetan Buddhist practitioner for many years before deciding to change over to the western branch of the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition - and the teachings are clear, direct, and very pure and definately include loving kindness and compassion. So I've been very happy with my choice.

with kind wishes,

Aloka

01-26-2012, 07:36 AM	#2
bestworkother Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 505 Senior Member	However, I am very attracted to the ideal of Bodhisattvas and the compassion they embody. I also like the Mahayana idea that enlightenment can be achieved by the laity and not just monastics, like it is in Theravada. Hi white_wolf, I think its a misperception to think that more compassion is practiced in Mahayana just because there's an outward emphasis on the Bodhisattva idea. Its also not true that Theravada teaches that enlightenment can only be achieved by monastics. I was drawn towards Theravada when still with Vajrayana - and was an offline Tibetan Buddhist practitioner for many years before deciding to change over to the western branch of the Theravada Thai Forest Tradition - and the teachings are clear, direct, and very pure and definately include loving kindness and compassion. So I've been very happy with my choice. with kind wishes, Aloka
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