[55Beaphable]

I expect this question has been asked before, so apologies in advance if it has.

I've only been reading up on buddhism for the last few months and, as I've said in my introduction post, I'm really enjoying getting to grips with how people use it in their lives. I would say I'm reasonably familiar with the main divisions within the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. I'm at the point where I want to read more on each, but just don't know which to pick first.

Therefore, I've got a couple of questions on why you opted for the type of buddhism you did. I would really appreciate any response that will maybe make my mind up on which route to opt for.

Which type of buddhism do you follow?
Was there something that pulled you towards that tradition more than the others?

Thanks,
Mark.

[olivelappers]

Hello Mark,

To chose the right tradition is about exploring them. If you are of the fortunate ones that can go and visit different offline Sanghas it can be a good idea to visit them, talk to the people, read about and feel what resonates deep. Choosing the correct one is more about our personal temper.

I changed from Soto Zen tradition to just the practice of the teachings of Buddha. Why? Because I felt at home with those.

The nearest tradition to those teachings has been the Thai Forest Tradition; their teachers and teachings have been a wonderful support for the practice of what Buddha taught, even when in my country there is no such tradition available.

[SinncmxM]

When I first began studying Buddhism 12 years or so ago, I started studying the Theravada tradition. It wasn't until I watched a video from HH Dalai Lama that I then started to gravitate to Tibetan Buddhism. I then started to look into the different schools of Tibetan buddhism and just "connected" with the Karma Kagyu school.

Everyone has their preference. Find which one resonates with you and go for it. If you change at some point, thats cool too.

[Gosxjqum]

Which type of buddhism do you follow?
Was there something that pulled you towards that tradition more than the others?

Hi Mark

When I first became involved with Tibetan Buddhism years ago, I didn't really know much about other Buddhist traditions. Eventually however, I began to notice the teachings of the Theravada Thai Forest tradition on the internet - and something resonated with me when I read them. I started to investigate the suttas in the Pali Canon as well as a western monastery offline and then felt very strongly that this was the direction my path needed to go in from that point onwards.

I think in general, its a good idea to investigate carefully first before finally choosing an offline group to practice with.

with kind wishes

Aloka

[Itrtuawh]

I expect this question has been asked before, so apologies in advance if it has.

I've only been reading up on buddhism for the last few months and, as I've said in my introduction post, I'm really enjoying getting to grips with how people use it in their lives. I would say I'm reasonably familiar with the main divisions within the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. I'm at the point where I want to read more on each, but just don't know which to pick first.

Therefore, I've got a couple of questions on why you opted for the type of buddhism you did. I would really appreciate any response that will maybe make my mind up on which route to opt for.

Which type of buddhism do you follow?
Was there something that pulled you towards that tradition more than the others?

Thanks,
Mark.

I didn't set out to become a Buddhist. I happened to come across teachings within a certain tradition (Zen); they resonated with me, and still do. Since then I've felt free to investigate Buddhism in its different varieties, and I've found much of value. Nevertheless, the tradition I encountered first still is the one with which I feel the greatest affinity.

[fkisjjdhh]

Thanks guys for all your advice. To be honest I feel a bit silly asking such questions, so I really appreciate the feedback.

I'm really enjoying reading about buddhism and I will start looking at specific traditions more closely, and then, hopefully make an educated decision. My daughters have commented on the fact that I seem calmer about things, that can only be a good thing and inspires me to continue studying buddhism in the future.

Thanks again,
Mark

[wbondarmunw]

Thanks guys for all your advice. To be honest I feel a bit silly asking such questions, so I really appreciate the feedback.

You are welcome Mark, and please keep asking... it is nice to know that we can be of some help.

[toopyimport]

*The last posts were moved into General Buddhist Discussions Forum to "The truth" thread*

[wmzeto]

Hi Mark, I think it is a great question. I was attracted to Buddhism because I was never satisfied with any other explanations of that thing which cannot be denied - "Being" itself. All explanations for this were too religious or too conceptual to carry any weight - same thing actually. I was initially drawn into Advaita Vedanta because of the clear understanding of the mind. Eventually I found it too conceptual as well - except for a few teachers. Then I noticed that some Zen teachers were also quoting those Advaita teachers I admired and so then I was drawn into Zen because of the clear and unambiguous teaching of our "original Nature". To me Zen teaches how this very everyday life is the essence of Being itself - nothing is hidden.

There is no one path for everyone, even tough there is the same way of knowing the truth. It is our conditioning that will determine where we land and that will also always change too - to one degree or another. Enjoy the ride! Trust that your integrity will lead you. The skids are not greased for you and those very difficulties are the path itself which will teach you everything - it is not ever only just an "UP" universe.

Best wishes.

_()_

[Atmotteenrift]

hi Magpie

i began buddhist practise in the Thai forest tradition (which i stumbled into when travelling) because i was interested in meditation & finding inner peace

however, over time, i came to use the Pali scriptures as my guide because they are far more comprehensive & provide a more complete vision

meditation traditions tend to draw one away from 'the world', which it did to me for some years

but the Pali scriptures, with its social teachings, allowed me to understand & see the world more clearly and feel greater freedom

i think it is essential to define what we are individually looking for

kind regards

[Binuilienzync]

Thanks Stoneflow and Element for your response. I appreciate your advice.

I'm leaning towards the Theravada tradition. However, I want to read as much as I can on Mahayana as well, over the next few months and years. However, there is something nagging in my brain that if I choose one particular tradition now then I am rejecting the others (I don't want to do that at this stage, or perhaps I never will want to make a firm decision).

Also, I have another question:

Do people born into a particular tradition generally stick to it, or do they have the same freedom as I seem to have now? (just out of interest).

Thanks again,
Mark

[casinoboneerer]

Hello all. I have to admit I'm feeling a little lost with this too. Have been reading so much but my path is yet unclear.

Susie x

[NickGrass]

Do people born into a particular tradition generally stick to it, or do they have the same freedom as I seem to have now? (just out of interest).

Hi Mark,

I'm sorry you haven't had any response to your question. I think it can only be answered by someone who was born into one of the Buddhist traditions. At a guess I would say that probably if people are born into a tradition, its possible that they might just accept their cultural beliefs without necessarily investigating outside of them - but obviously I can't say for sure, because I'm a westerner.

with kind wishes,

Aloka

[geraint.faughn]

Hello all. I have to admit I'm feeling a little lost with this too. Have been reading so much but my path is yet unclear.

Susie x

Hi Susie,

Good to hear from you again. I would suggest that you continue to investigate and not worry too much about it - perhaps you'll be a little clearer at a later time.

Its also worthwhile checking out different offline groups if that's at all possible.

with kind wishes,

Aloka

[LarpBulaBus]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I've been reading so much lately I've been feeling a little swamped with information I don't truly understand at this point so have decided to concentrate on my practice and go from there.

Sounds so simple but amazing how humanity has to have the answers immediately. Lol.

Susie x

[AblemTee]

so have decided to concentrate on my practice and go from there.

Seems like a good plan !


.

[23tommy]

Hi Magpie,

Started all mixed up,went to Theravada,still am a theravadin.However lately,i am more into modern or new buddhism. I am reading Thich Nhat Hanh.SO simple with him.This afternoon I read a few pages and tears came to my eyes, and , I never cry unless it is for a tree or an animal.

So right now I am into what this Master is teaching,far,far, from the dryness of the Pali Canon.


A simple buddhist named
loong

[LorencoLoricelli]

Hi there Magpie,

I've also been exploring Buddhism over the last few years, reading about and visiting various traditions (both Theravada and Mahayana) and I have been given some really good answers for the same questions (so I'll share as best as I can).

For the first question, how to choose, what other people have already said is great. Choose whatever resonates with you! Buddha taught many teachings to many different people. All of these teachings were given as personal advice to either individual people or groups. What he was incredibly wise about was in realizing that different people have different temperaments and are at different stages of the path. As such his teachings are diverse, and the resulting lineages of his teachings are equally as vast. There is a tradition that suits everyone of any temperament at any stage of the path

In the end it is all Dharma, and Dharma is liberating no matter how it is taken (I believe anyway, others might disagree?).

As for your second question, when you choose will you be "stuck" with that tradition?
Well Here I only have my own personal experience to go from. I spent a few years with one tradition while exploring different options (I guess the first one was great, but I felt I needed something a little different), I guess I felt free to roam and explore.
Fairly recently I have found another tradition that particularly resonates with me, and I don't really feel it would be right to keep on wandering. Not because I feel trapped, but rather I feel completely at home with this new tradition. Another important thing is finding a teacher who you can rely on wholeheartedly, Reliance on a teacher is very beneficial for spiritual practice (from my own experience i would personally say that it is critical) and requires a complete trust in the teachings as given from their perspective.

TLDR;
Q1. Buddha's teachings were skillfully given to diverse audiences according to their particular needs. As such, different traditions sprung up from different teachings. Choose what tradition is right for you.

Q2. If you can find a tradition and a teacher that you can wholeheartedly trust, the idea of freedom to choose and roam fades into insignificance when you see and feel the results of your practice.


Metta,
Ben

[Todilrdc]

Yes a good question and the last few answers very interesting.

I describe myself as a secular buddhist because i am really not comfortable with anything of a supernatural nature and this is the only type of buddhism that seems to fit with a skeptical mind such i've got - although i think soto zen (I think its soto) is also fairly down to earth, though i find i get a bit uncomfortable with any tradition which includes cultural practices that are not from my own culture. I don't mind bowing to each other as a show of respect but i wouldn't like to bow to an alter. I also don't like holding a teacher on too high a pedestal as often happens in these traditions.

That said, i have a zen teacher and who is lovely and i go to his groups at a tibetan centre. When i look at the website of my tibetan centre its all about lineages and the teachers and nothing about buddhism or the dharma. I do not care about lineages. All traditions seem to make a big deal of lineages especially tibetan i think.

There are aspects that i like in each of the traditions but secular buddhism really fits the most comfortably with me. Stephen BAtchelor is one well known teacher and writer. John Peacock also does great podcasts on buddhism.

So you can mix it up if you have to, ie because you don't have a lot of choice in what's available around you. I find attending a centre imperative. YOu can learn so much that you can't really pick up from a book. Just little details that make your meditation go better.