What Buddhist tradition do you follow?

[gerard]

Thanks for voting and giving some comments.

:)

[jroe52]

you should add the diamond way aka tibetan buddhism. while you do that... what about western buddhism and non-organized buddhism? alot of westerners base their beliefs around their own cultures not of the ones of asia.

me... i listen to alot of what the lama says and just try to be a good buddhist hehe.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

I follow the way of the llama. I need to work on my spitting though.

[Knight_Errant]

Reading about budhist stuff and 'living your life in a budhist kind of way' makes you a budhist no more than wearing a toy gun and hat makes you a cowboy.

[Shai'tan]

I combine concepts of all "styls" and add a some of my own.

[Knight_Errant]

The question I believe was about which school of budhist thought you follow. As in, what budhist ceremonies have you performed? which temple do you go to?

[reikislapper]

Does it really matter what school of Buddhism you follow as it's the same guy who started it in the first place or am I wrong :o ,
I'm just learning about Buddhism and haven't decided yet as there isn't much difference from either one.
lisa xx

[gerard]

you should add the diamond way aka tibetan buddhism. while you do that... what about western buddhism and non-organized buddhism

The poll reflects the Schools of Buddhism not its branches, which indeed are many more.

:)

[Colin Linz]

I clicked the Japanese button, because this is where it was formed; howewer Chinese may be more acurate in principle. Kongo Zen.

[Humblebee]

Reading about budhist stuff and 'living your life in a budhist kind of way' makes you a budhist no more than wearing a toy gun and hat makes you a cowboy.


Thank you KE,i'm glad someome's finally said it.

[Humblebee]

Does it really matter what school of Buddhism you follow as it's the same guy who started it in the first place or am I wrong :o ,
I'm just learning about Buddhism and haven't decided yet as there isn't much difference from either one.
lisa xx


what matters is that you can become happy and change your life around to the one you want it to be,however although Buddhism was started by one man the schools do vary quite alot and there is a lot of difference.
For example Zen is very different from Nichiren school which i practise.
Everyone is different and what's right for one is not right for another.
I'd like to thank Gerard for starting this thread because i think it's important when talking about Buddhism to be specific on what school you practice with.

[Omicron]

Kongo Zen for me, too.

[reikislapper]

what matters is that you can become happy and change your life around to the one you want it to be,however although Buddhism was started by one man the schools do vary quite alot and there is a lot of difference.
For example Zen is very different from Nichiren school which i practise.
Everyone is different and what's right for one is not right for another.
I'd like to thank Gerard for starting this thread because i think it's important when talking about Buddhism to be specific on what school you practice with.

Okey then, I'll drop this idea in and see what you think, Buddhism was started by one man, which I think is great and I say this in respect of all the buddhist on here and not just a few.
One thing that bothers me is why did they need all the different schools, was this because a few didn't like the rules (I say this in a broad sense) and they wanted to rebel so they started a fresh one thinking that they'd get enlightened quicker by starting their own group.
I'm not having a go at anyone as this is one of the questions what's been bothering me for a while.
lisa xx

[Humblebee]

One thing that bothers me is why did they need all the different schools, was this because a few didn't like the rules (I say this in a broad sense) and they wanted to rebel so they started a fresh one thinking that they'd get enlightened quicker by starting their own group.





this is a long answer,i'l get back to you.

[Colin Linz]

Okey then, I'll drop this idea in and see what you think, Buddhism was started by one man, which I think is great and I say this in respect of all the buddhist on here and not just a few.
One thing that bothers me is why did they need all the different schools, was this because a few didn't like the rules (I say this in a broad sense) and they wanted to rebel so they started a fresh one thinking that they'd get enlightened quicker by starting their own group.
I'm not having a go at anyone as this is one of the questions what's been bothering me for a while.
lisa xx
One aspect is that as Buddhism travelled around it took on aspects of local culture and religions.

Another is that at times different leading figures would think that different practices or thoughts were more important than others, this lead to differences in emphasis on various aspects.

[Colin Linz]

Kongo Zen for me, too.
Excellent, that’s two of us. Are we winning yet? :rolleyes:

[reikislapper]

One aspect is that as Buddhism travelled around it took on aspects of local culture and religions.

Another is that at times different leading figures would think that different practices or thoughts were more important than others, this lead to differences in emphasis on various aspects.

Look I know I'm getting to know some of the buddhists on here with all the questions I have for you all and I hope you don't mind me asking as I seem to be getting in on all the threads on here connected with the philosophy lol.
Anyway yet another question lol. If the buddhist philosophy took on the local cultures and religions, which is the original buddhist philosophy and how do you know your following the right path.
lisa xx

[Humblebee]

Look I know I'm getting to know some of the buddhists on here with all the questions I have for you all and I hope you don't mind me asking as I seem to be getting in on all the threads on here connected with the philosophy lol.
Anyway yet another question lol. If the buddhist philosophy took on the local cultures and religions, which is the original buddhist philosophy and how do you know your following the right path.
lisa xx


What shakyamuni taught at the begining of his journey was very different to what he taught at the end and what he taught at the end was the Lotus sutra.So the Lotus sutra might be considered tho original teaching because that's what Shakyamuni declared as the truth to enlightenment before he died.

[Brad Ellin]

Reading about budhist stuff and 'living your life in a budhist kind of way' makes you a budhist no more than wearing a toy gun and hat makes you a cowboy.

Then define what makes a Buddhist.

For me, Mikkyo. So I selected Japanese schools.

[Colin Linz]

Look I know I'm getting to know some of the buddhists on here with all the questions I have for you all and I hope you don't mind me asking as I seem to be getting in on all the threads on here connected with the philosophy lol.
Anyway yet another question lol. If the buddhist philosophy took on the local cultures and religions, which is the original buddhist philosophy and how do you know your following the right path.
lisa xx
I’m not really knowledgeable enough to answer this question adequately.
I know Doshin So thought he was transmitting it in its original form. This was based on his research and experience. Is he right? I don’t know, but is it important? I just feel a good connection with it. In the end all that matters is the way you live your life, and treat others. In this area most forms of Buddhism offer the same or similar advise.

[Colin Linz]

What shakyamuni taught at the begining of his journey was very different to what he taught at the end and what he taught at the end was the Lotus sutra.So the Lotus sutra might be considered tho original teaching because that's what Shakyamuni declared as the truth to enlightenment before he died.
This is normal enough. We are all just human; we are not born with any great insight. We will travel through our lives and in the process learn different things that will change the way we perceive those around us and our lives. We will all get it wrong at stages and make mistakes, and hopefully learn from them.

[gerard]

One aspect is that as Buddhism travelled around it took on aspects of local culture and religions.

Another is that at times different leading figures would think that different practices or thoughts were more important than others, this lead to differences in emphasis on various aspects.

This is a very good condensed answer. However, let me give you a more specific one:

Buddhism as a religion (philosophy or way of thought) remained mostly in India for three centuries until King Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Ashoka sent missionaries throughout the world, and Buddhism spread to all of Asia. Nevertheless, before its expansion, two branches developed:conservative and liberal. The conservative school is called Theravada, and it became the dominant form of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Hence, it is also called Southern Buddhism. Southern Buddhism has remained closer to the original form of Buddhism. This school follows the Pali Canon, which, although written centuries after the first Buddha's death, contains the most accurate recording of his teachings.

On the other hand, we have the liberal school: Mahayana Buddhism, which traveled to the north into China, Japan, Korea, and Tibet, and is also called Northern Buddhism. As it spread north, it adopted and incorporated beliefs and practices from the local religions of the land. The two branches of Buddhism are so different they appear to be two different religions rather than two branches of the same tree. Here are a few differences:

Theravada Buddhism sees Buddha as a man. Siddharta never claimed to be God, but rather a "way shower." (road to the light as I call it) Mahayana Buddhism, however, worships Buddha as a manifestation of the divine Buddha essence. Since Siddharta, many other manifestations or bodhisattvas have appeared. An example is Tibetan Buddhism, which worships the spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as a bodhisattva.

Theravada adheres to the Pali Canon and Buddha’s earliest teachings. Since Mahayana believes there have been many manifestations, this branch incorporates many other texts written by the bodhisattvas as part of their canon.

Theravada teaches that each person must attain salvation through their own effort, and this requires one to relinquish earthly desires and live a monastic life. Therefore, only those few who have chosen this lifestyle will attain nirvana. Mahayana teaches that salvation comes through the grace of the bodhisattvas and so many may attain salvation.

Divine beings do not have a place in Theravada. The primary focus is on the individual attaining enlightenment, and a divine being, or speculations of such, only hinders the process. Therefore, several sects of this branch are atheistic. Mahayana, on the contrary, has many views of God since this branch is inclusive, and has adopted the beliefs and practices of various religions. Many schools are pantheistic in their worldview while others are animistic. Siddharta is worshipped as a divine being. Some schools pay homage to a particular bodhisattva sent to their people. Other schools have a mixture of gods whom they worship. Let me give you an example:

Japanese Buddhism blended with Shintoism and includes worship of the Shinto gods with the teachings and worship of Buddha.

And other schools like Zen Buddhism don't worship Gods at all. This branch of Buddhism was originated by a Buddhist teacher Bodhidharma who traveled from India to China and introduced the teachings of the Buddha there. In China Buddhism mingled with Taoism. The result of this mingling was the Ch'an School of Buddhism. Around 1200 A.D. Ch'an Buddhism spread from China to Japan where it is called Zen Buddhism. Zen is essence views Buddhism as practice and intuitive understanding. As a result, words and sentences have no fixed meaning, and logic is often irrelevant. Words have meaning only in relation to who is using them, who they are talking to, and what situation they are used in. As a result Zen and poetry have gone hand in hand for centuries. I see Zen Buddhism as the most philosophical school of all and the one I presently follow :rolleyes:

Finally, when speaking with a Buddhist it is crucial to understand what branch of Buddhism they are talking about. These two branches are dramatically different, and within Mahayana Buddhism, the sects can be as different as Theravada is to Mahayana!


I also should have mentioned the Vajrayana school (Esoteric or Tantric Buddhism) which is practiced mainly in Tibet, but in Japan has a strong hold with the Shingon and Tendai sects. These latter Japanese sects are often referred to as Mikkyo.


I hope this explanation sheds some light on this issue.


Thanks anyway,


:)

[Knight_Errant]

Then define what makes a Buddhist.
Well, the same sort of things that would make you christian, I suppose- going through the initiation ceremony, going to temple, etc. etc.

[Humblebee]

[QUOTE=Kurohana]Then define what makes a Buddhist.




Hi Colin,i have to agree on KE on this one because basing your actions and thoughts on Buddhist beliefs is a really nice way to go but it's worlds apart from actually practising buddhism.
Practising Buddhism can be a very disciplined and sometimes strict way of life
and requires alot of effort and dedication as oppossed to just taking bits of Buddhist philosophy and incorporating it into your daily life.

[Brad Ellin]

So, would you say practicing Buddhism is enough? Is it enough to belong to a sangha, sit, practice and try your best to live by the 4 Noble Truths, etc? Or, do you actually have to attend a temple, be initiated, etc?
Just curious, because having talked to different people, both lay-people, monks and intitiates, I have gotten different answers. For me, there is no temple near me, but I do belong to a sangha, I do meditate and I do (try) practice the basic tenets of Buddhism.

[Thomas]

Well, the same sort of things that would make you christian, I suppose- going through the initiation ceremony, going to temple, etc. etc.

I think there is also the distinction between being a good ____ and just a ____. For example, going to church and having all of the ceremonies done will make you a "Christian" on paper... but you still have to follow the teachings and the practices. Just doing the ceremonies doesn't guarantee that the person will "practice what they preach"!

I met a lot of "Buddhists" who didn't follow the teachings at all... and I've met a lot of "Christians" who don't follow their teachings either.

For me, I personally don't care what people call themselves or what they do in ceremonies and whatnot... I would rather see how they live and act.

[Humblebee]

So, would you say practicing Buddhism is enough? Is it enough to belong to a sangha, sit, practice and try your best to live by the 4 Noble Truths, etc? Or, do you actually have to attend a temple, be initiated, etc?
Just curious, because having talked to different people, both lay-people, monks and intitiates, I have gotten different answers. For me, there is no temple near me, but I do belong to a sangha, I do meditate and I do (try) practice the basic tenets of Buddhism.


sounds to me as if your really practising buddhism correctly

[reikislapper]

So, would you say practicing Buddhism is enough? Is it enough to belong to a sangha, sit, practice and try your best to live by the 4 Noble Truths, etc? Or, do you actually have to attend a temple, be initiated, etc?
Just curious, because having talked to different people, both lay-people, monks and intitiates, I have gotten different answers. For me, there is no temple near me, but I do belong to a sangha, I do meditate and I do (try) practice the basic tenets of Buddhism.

Hello Kuohana,
I know I'm used tyo seeing you on the ninja threads but could you tell me what a sanha is as I'm not sure of what it is as I've never heard of it.
lisa xx

[Strafio]

I sort of consider myself Buddhist, but only because I try and practice what I've read from a book. The book is Tibetan, and while it does give a wide varied overview of all Buddhism, it is mainly concentrated round Mahayana, I think. :)

Although the book made it sound VERY different to the Mahayana described in this thread. For instance, I heard no mention of gods or worship. Just that Buddha said no "yes" or "no" to it and that is down to personal belief.
Infact, I found it to be a very down to earth book, only seeming to touch what the author had proved to himself through his own experience and what he could explain and help us to relate to, rather than trying to mystify or anything.

The book's main difference between Mahayana and Hinayana (Theravada was one of the few Hinayana branches they accepted, and I think it was one of the few survivors to this modern day) was that instead of cutting off from society, the best way to find true enlightenment was to harmonise with it, finding that through wisdom and compassion you not only devellop your own nirvana, but that of those around you too.
Hinayana seemed a little selfish in comparison! ;)

But I'm not really that interested in the history and politics.
I'm just sort of trying to find myself. :)

[munkiejunkie]

I have dabbled in many types of buddhism, but Zen buddhism is the one that I currently follow. The ones I dabbled in are Mahayana(general), Theravada, Tibetan, Nicheren and Zen, however, Zen makes the most sense to me.

[Brad Ellin]

For me, I personally don't care what people call themselves or what they do in ceremonies and whatnot... I would rather see how they live and act.

Very well put, and I agree with you totally. Because when it comes down to it, what we see and experience is what we base our perceptions on.

Lisa, a "sangha" is Buddhist community. It can be made of monks, nuns, lay people or combination thereof. For me, it is my dojo back in Md. That is my physical sangha. Then I have a few "virtual" sangha online. Still looking for one here in the Houston area, that I can get to on a regular basis.

[reikislapper]

Very well put, and I agree with you totally. Because when it comes down to it, what we see and experience is what we base our perceptions on.

Lisa, a "sangha" is Buddhist community. It can be made of monks, nuns, lay people or combination thereof. For me, it is my dojo back in Md. That is my physical sangha. Then I have a few "virtual" sangha online. Still looking for one here in the Houston area, that I can get to on a regular basis.

Thanks for answering that one Kurohana, I do understand that you could use your dojo as a "sangha" and I have respect for you in this area as this is where I first learnt about the buddhism through the following of the teaching of MA. You couldn't do me a favour could you and give me some of the addressess of the virtual groups as I'd be interested in doing some research as you know I'm getting more interested in the philosophy.
lisa xx

[kiaiki]

Buddhists follow the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. For most of us, we are practising - i.e. not yet perfect. I am fed up with people from other faiths who say: 'You can't be a Buddhist because.....'. They never apply the same rules to Christianity - how many of them are perfect Christians, I wonder?

I follow NKT (New Kadampa Tradition) Buddhism, which was established by Tibetan Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. His mission is not to blindly follow the Dalai Lama but to provide access to westerners seeking access to the Mahayana. His books are awesome. He adheres to the older traditions from Tibet, however, maybe moreso than the DL, who has sought to crush some of the more esoteric tantric deity worship. www.kadampa.org

I try very hard to be compassionate and follow the Bodhisattva's way of life. It is a hard path to follow, especially avoiding anger and having compassion. For some, it seems to be an integral part of their nature - my wife has no understanding of Buddhism at all yet her actions and feelings are always instinctively correct in this context.

I have read widely and have an intellectual understanding of Buddhism which goes back to the 1970's, but I agree totally that this is worthless. What really matters is our intentions (and our asociated actions).

A Chinese emperor was once told by a wheelwright that reading books was a worthless occupation. On pain of death he asked the servant to explain. In a nutshell, the wheelwright explained that anything of value to him was passed from father to son by practical example. Books were the 'lees and scum of a bygone age' and no substitute for action. A lesson for Buddhism, and for Martial Arts students!! :)

[Brad Ellin]

Thanks for answering that one Kurohana, I do understand that you could use your dojo as a "sangha" and I have respect for you in this area as this is where I first learnt about the buddhism through the following of the teaching of MA. You couldn't do me a favour could you and give me some of the addressess of the virtual groups as I'd be interested in doing some research as you know I'm getting more interested in the philosophy.
lisa xx


It's not just that I "used" my dojo as a Sangha, my dojo is/was a Sangha. This was straight from my teacher's mouth to me when I inquired as to where one was/is.
And no, I can't do you the favor. Sorry. But only because I'm at work, not on my computer, stealing a few minutes of my lunch break to write this :D I'll try tonight if I get home.

[shaolin_hendrix]

Chinese. Ch'an Buddhism rocks.

[reikislapper]

It's not just that I "used" my dojo as a Sangha, my dojo is/was a Sangha. This was straight from my teacher's mouth to me when I inquired as to where one was/is.
And no, I can't do you the favor. Sorry. But only because I'm at work, not on my computer, stealing a few minutes of my lunch break to write this :D I'll try tonight if I get home.

Thanks Kurohana,

Lisa xx

[jroe52]

follow the 4 noble truthes and your on the right path in any school;)

most of india's buddhism died out after different hands in government power. however it thrived in china/se asia/tibet and went to japan and other areas. tibet follows a more traditional form of buddhism from north india however it has been mixxed with local religion so lots of customs were added in. pretty much...

if your having questions like..

is there god? is there not?
is buddha god? is he not?
what is buddha? is all buddha?

then just relax and forget those thoughts, know if you live like buddha, all is buddha for you. does it matter if there is a god if you know your living well? a good god would be happy if you live like a buddha and not like a worshipper whom prays, forgets, kills, steals and then prays again forgetting everything they learned.

[reikislapper]

follow the 4 noble truthes and your on the right path in any school;)

most of india's buddhism died out after different hands in government power. however it thrived in china/se asia/tibet and went to japan and other areas. tibet follows a more traditional form of buddhism from north india however it has been mixxed with local religion so lots of customs were added in. pretty much...

if your having questions like..

is there god? is there not?
is buddha god? is he not?
what is buddha? is all buddha?

then just relax and forget those thoughts, know if you live like buddha, all is buddha for you. does it matter if there is a god if you know your living well? a good god would be happy if you live like a buddha and not like a worshipper whom prays, forgets, kills, steals and then prays again forgetting everything they learned.


Hang on a second, how can you live like buddha, if you don't know him?.
You can't live like this without learning the philosophy can you, what might be right in your eyes might not be in someone elses. You need to learn what buddha is and what he's about to understand anything about it.
lisa xx

[Humblebee]

Hang on a second, how can you live like buddha, if you don't know him?.
You can't live like this without learning the philosophy can you, what might be right in your eyes might not be in someone elses. You need to learn what buddha is and what he's about to understand anything about it.
lisa xx

learn about youself and you learn about Buddha.