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I have read books from both zen, tibetan buddhism and theravada tradition. I have been mostly involved in tibetan buddhism because it is a center that I like near me. But I feel in the same way that tibetan buddhism is to ritualistic and to overwhelming of everything and it makes me stressed out. I like zen for its simplicity and agnostic approach, and I also like Ajahn Chah and his tradition. So I guess I lean towards a more practical, simple and joyful approach with not to much seriousness.
I go to the Shambhala Center here in Montreal, and I must say that it really emphasizes things that work for me, a musician and artist, who needs to feel a real-world tangibility and lay-person directness. It emphasizes meditation and basic goodness as a way to help bring about enlightened society, to help transform the world around us.
It's a beautiful tradition with thousands of years of Buddhist teachings behind it. It also emphasizes gentleness towards ourselves on the path. Very direct, very simple, beautiful. I highly recommend it
I've also done Vipassana, which for me, someone who has been very harsh with himself, and quite neurotic and judgemental, I found a little hardcore at first. Perhaps now (or soon!) I would be more ready for it. However, I feel that Vipassana is amazing, and cuts straight to it. If you feel you have developed some confidence in yourself and some love towards yourself, I feel that Vipassana could really be amazing.
Finally, I found Shambhala to be my thing, what resonates most with me.... Everyone is different, has a different past, context, and conditioning, so I would recommend you explore the schools mindfully, thoughtfully, and with curiosity and interest! Savour each one....
Wishing you the very best on your path! May you find all you seek:)
I just started to really apply myself to learning about the different schools. I don't have a center anywhere close to me, so books and internet are my teachers. I have really enjoyed reading about zen recently.
Comments
I like zen for its simplicity and agnostic approach, and I also like Ajahn Chah and his tradition. So I guess I lean towards a more practical, simple and joyful approach with not to much seriousness.
It's a beautiful tradition with thousands of years of Buddhist teachings behind it. It also emphasizes gentleness towards ourselves on the path. Very direct, very simple, beautiful. I highly recommend it
I've also done Vipassana, which for me, someone who has been very harsh with himself, and quite neurotic and judgemental, I found a little hardcore at first. Perhaps now (or soon!) I would be more ready for it. However, I feel that Vipassana is amazing, and cuts straight to it. If you feel you have developed some confidence in yourself and some love towards yourself, I feel that Vipassana could really be amazing.
Finally, I found Shambhala to be my thing, what resonates most with me.... Everyone is different, has a different past, context, and conditioning, so I would recommend you explore the schools mindfully, thoughtfully, and with curiosity and interest! Savour each one....
Wishing you the very best on your path! May you find all you seek:)
Take care,
Tim
specially in the west, this will become more common.