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**spamkillerf** · 01-26-2012, 08:51 AM

As I study Buddhism, I find that I'm drawn to both of the main traditions for various reasons and I'm not sure which to follow...
So, I was wondering, am I the only one who has these thoughts and do you all have advice for helping me here?

Hi, WW,

Many people are attracted to aspects of both traditions. I certainly am. Although I'd describe myself as Mahayana, I am very much drawn to the Pali Canon and when I listen to dharma talks, I usually choose Theravada teachers.

In my meditation, I follow the instructions set forth by the Buddha in the Anapanasati Sutta. But I also accept the teachings in the prajna scriptures (Heart and Diamond), the Mahayana doctrine of sunyata (emptiness) and the bodhisattva path. And I see much value in the contemporary movement known as "humanistic" or "engaged" Buddhism -- a development which arose out of East Asian Mahayana.

Some Mahayana schools incorporate aspects of Theravada. For instance, my introduction to Buddhist practice was via Thich Nhat Hanh, who emphasizes the Pali suttas as well as the later Mahayana and Zen teachings. Meanwhile, the Insight Meditation Society -- which is basically Theravada in orientation -- has also been open to aspects of Mahayana/Vajrayana. Whether this kind of synthesis works for you may depend on personal sensibility or affinity.

01-26-2012, 08:51 AM	#4
spamkillerf Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 607 Senior Member	As I study Buddhism, I find that I'm drawn to both of the main traditions for various reasons and I'm not sure which to follow... So, I was wondering, am I the only one who has these thoughts and do you all have advice for helping me here? Hi, WW, Many people are attracted to aspects of both traditions. I certainly am. Although I'd describe myself as Mahayana, I am very much drawn to the Pali Canon and when I listen to dharma talks, I usually choose Theravada teachers. In my meditation, I follow the instructions set forth by the Buddha in the Anapanasati Sutta. But I also accept the teachings in the prajna scriptures (Heart and Diamond), the Mahayana doctrine of sunyata (emptiness) and the bodhisattva path. And I see much value in the contemporary movement known as "humanistic" or "engaged" Buddhism -- a development which arose out of East Asian Mahayana. Some Mahayana schools incorporate aspects of Theravada. For instance, my introduction to Buddhist practice was via Thich Nhat Hanh, who emphasizes the Pali suttas as well as the later Mahayana and Zen teachings. Meanwhile, the Insight Meditation Society -- which is basically Theravada in orientation -- has also been open to aspects of Mahayana/Vajrayana. Whether this kind of synthesis works for you may depend on personal sensibility or affinity.
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