Mahayana Buddhism? Theraveda Buddhism? Tibetan Buddhism?

stingraygirl93

What is the difference? Which do you practice? I am completely confused.

vinlyn

I am Theravadist because that was the type of Buddhism I was introduced to after many summers spent in Thailand, followed by a year-and-a-half of living there full time.

Yishai

If you look at the wiki pages of each, that should give you a good idea of what each is. There isn't a best sect, but rather they are all different takes on what the Buddha(s) taught. Some add more scripture and some try to preserve the original teaching.

Personally, I have yet to determine where I belong since my beliefs are still developing. You shouldn't feel pressured to align yourself with a certain branch. If you find one that appeals to you more, go forth with an open mind.

hermitwin

This is based on my personal experience.
My first contact with Buddhism was with mahayana buddhism.
But after years of reading and searching, I came to the conclusion
that theravada buddhism is the best place to start.
The books that theravada use are the pali canon.
the pali canon is believed to be the original teachings af buddha
and is accepted by mahayana n tibetan buddhists as well.
it provides the most simple n uncluttered explanation.
For more info, I suggest you visit
http://www.dhammawheel.com/index.php
There was a great explanation of the different schools of buddhism
in a thread there but I cant remember the link.
Good luck in your journey of discovery.
It was a confusing n frustrating journey for me.
But after 20 yrs, I feel that I have found most of the answers.

Jeffrey

The mahayana has its own canon which includes forms also in the Pali Canon. But I believe the mahayana scholars mainly read their own canon. For the most part. Just as therevadan scholars don't particularly study the mahayana sutras.

We have a thread about whether the original teachings of the buddha are somehow more valid than later additions. Entitled All Things Necessary.

I find the mahayana scriptures less cluttered. They are organized from simple to elaborate. For example the prajna paramita teachings are succinctly taught in the heart sutra which would fit on a page. If someone does not understand the heart sutra there is more discussion in other sutras. Progressively more and more. For example the diamond sutra is in the middle.

I find the Theravadan tradition frustrating because I cannot read long sutras. I do better with a book in 5 page chapters that I can read one a day. The Pali Canon has some short discourses and I have read some of those, but I cannot really tackle the longer ones. Part of that is I have a mental illness that impairs some of my abilities. The mahayana has a lot of popular books organized in chapters or on CD which is pretty absent in Theravadan at least in my local bookstore. There is a goodo Theravadan book on mindfulness called mindfulness in plain english. Ajah Chahn also has some books.

Theswingisyellow

May I suggest you start with the basic teachings (and most profound IMO)
The Four Noble Truths:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/truths.html
The Noble Eightfold Path: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html
And Dependent Origination:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jootla/wheel301.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn12/sn12.002.than.html
For me the path involves one pointed meditation in conjunction with meditation on and understanding of the The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold path and Dependent Origination. This type of practice is fairly straight forward, it is Theravada, for me it is the essence of Buddhism.
All the best to you,
Todd

compassionate_warrior

"Swing" is right. Start out studying the basics on your own. In time, you can visit different sanghas and see what appeals to you.

Sabre

I like Zen the most, but this guy tells where the differences come from and watching this might lessen your confusion:

federica

@stingraygirl93-

I didn't take up with a specific school or tradition for at least 15 years, while I studied Buddhism.
there is no compunction or obligation to join any one of them.
Read, study, take in, learn and think on it.

But don't rush into anything, unnecessarily.
do what feels right, when it feels right.

it truly is that simple.

taiyaki

its like do you want to wear a red shirt, pink shirt, or blue shirt?

they all speak from the same source. it's just a matter of different styles.

hierarchy in religion is a complete illusion. they all speak the same stuff. inner peace, love, compassion, forgiveness, etc.

Floating_Abu

What is the difference? Which do you practice? I am completely confused.

I practice Zen Buddhism but I have learnt from all major traditions, both in the past and now.

As federica says, explore and then explore some more. Best wishes,
Abu

Cloud

Early on it became apparent to me that to choose a school is an act of preference, since it can not be said that one school is right and the others wrong. So my practice has been drawn from all of the schools, but most closely resembles Thai Forest and Zen. It is focused on suffering and the cessation of suffering, as I understand this is the purpose for which the Buddha taught his Dharma.

I do believe that there was a movement to try and solidly teach and claim those things which the Buddha left unanswered (for good reason), and this movement has led to all of the schisms and different schools. When we become about beliefs, saying this view is better than that, we lose sight entirely of the engine of ignorance that is driving us. We have to push aside the clutter, and know how the mind seeks happiness in vain; in ignorance.

Choose a school that you prefer, that fits you, but never stop questioning. Never stop investigating the mind directly (seeing for yourself). One day you will see what are worldly/mundane aspects of the schools in clear contrast to the Dharma we can all see, regardless of sectarianism.

bravehawk

Think of the traditions like a recipe book. use what works for you best, everyone is different, so something might work for you that doesn't work for another. Enlightenment comes in many flavors