[Slonopotam845]

I know there's quite a few differences in the Buddhist schools... in layman's terms (because the vocab is still so new to me and I don't understand some of it), how do I know which school is best for me? If Theravada is best for me, but I attend a meditation class at a Vajrayana center, is it going to confuse me greatly? There's so much information online, lol, I need a basic "written for a child" breakdown.

[DiBellaBam]

Hi shadowspeak,

The pinned articles 'Theravada-Mahayana Buddhism' and 'The Myth of Hinayana' at the beginning of the topic list in our General Buddhism forum might be helpful:

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries...ayana-Buddhism

[Lilji]

Thanks, I can't believe I missed that lol.

[tpdirorg]

I think that choosing a tradition and a school into that same tradition, could be about personal temper. But it is just a personal impression. Not sure at all.

[Svatudjw]

I know there's quite a few differences in the Buddhist schools... in layman's terms (because the vocab is still so new to me and I don't understand some of it), how do I know which school is best for me? If Theravada is best for me, but I attend a meditation class at a Vajrayana center, is it going to confuse me greatly? There's so much information online, lol, I need a basic "written for a child" breakdown.

Hello shadowspeak,

First of all, thanks so much for your interest in doing some practice! I would suggest that you check whatever is available locally and sit with them. A quick google search of your area yielded this: http://www.buddhismcentralohio.org/ Only you can decide what resonates with your personality. Ultimately, folks make a big deal about the differences, but in the end, there are way more similarities. The goal is to end Dhukka. almost all traditions and schools are capable of doing that. Keep an open mind and don't stress too much. It's less important than you think, imho.

Good luck and thanks for practicing,
Keith