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**LindaSmithXV** · 10-11-2010, 02:12 PM

Hi Raven,

I think that before choosing a tradition, its essential to first investigate the teachings of the historical Buddha, as you have been doing.

I became interested in Buddhism when I was in my teens - but I didn't really investigate the core teachings first, and so I just plunged straight into Tibetan Buddhism. Eventually I began practising seriously and was deeply involved for many years.

However, to cut a long story short, at some point I began to feel ill at ease -and it became essential for me to revisit what the Buddha actually taught and to read the Pali Canon and step aside from all the add-ons, cultural superstitions, excessive guru devotion, ritual and practices I'd been involved in. I'm still grateful for what I learned in the midst of that, of course.

After investigation, I then found that the Theravada Thai Forest tradition suited me so much better, and that's where I'm comfortable to be right now.

So anyway, my advice is just take your time, and investigate carefully. Different strokes for different folks as the saying goes!

10-11-2010, 02:12 PM	#11
LindaSmithXV Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 466 Senior Member	Hi Raven, I think that before choosing a tradition, its essential to first investigate the teachings of the historical Buddha, as you have been doing. I became interested in Buddhism when I was in my teens - but I didn't really investigate the core teachings first, and so I just plunged straight into Tibetan Buddhism. Eventually I began practising seriously and was deeply involved for many years. However, to cut a long story short, at some point I began to feel ill at ease -and it became essential for me to revisit what the Buddha actually taught and to read the Pali Canon and step aside from all the add-ons, cultural superstitions, excessive guru devotion, ritual and practices I'd been involved in. I'm still grateful for what I learned in the midst of that, of course. After investigation, I then found that the Theravada Thai Forest tradition suited me so much better, and that's where I'm comfortable to be right now. So anyway, my advice is just take your time, and investigate carefully. Different strokes for different folks as the saying goes!
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