[megasprut]

No 2: There's an article about Theravada and Mahayana pinned at the start of the topics in our General Buddhist Discussions forum which might be helpful:

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries...=3990#post3990

You could also check the Buddhist studies section at Buddhanet.

http://www.buddhanet.net/

how do I choose which one I want to be? Through investigation and visiting some Buddhist centres.


3. The statue in meditation posture is usually the historical Buddha

The fat laughing statue is not the Buddha, its Hotai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budai

4. Depends on the tradition. Prayer beads aren't necessary for everyone and wood or seeds are fine.

5. The best thing to do is to study the Buddha's core teachings of The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold path which are/should be the basis of all traditions.

You can find some information about them pinned at the beginning of the topics in this 'Discovering Buddha's Teachings' forum.


Kind regards

Aloka