Differences in Tibetan Sects

southsider

Hello,

A few months ago I made a post about looking for a Sangha in the Chicago area. I had to put off my search for a little while and am going to start visiting some local centers again but after doing some more research I came up with another question I am hoping I can get some input on.

I am primarily interested in Tibetan Buddhism (although I would also like to visit a Theravada center to compare the differences) and I wanted to know how different the practices are within the various sects of TB. Primarily between the Gelupa and Kagyu traditions because they seem to be the most prevent in the Chicago area.

If it helps the discussion I am planning on visiting these centers.

Jewel Heart http://www.jewelheart.org/chapters/chicago/ (Gelupa)
Bodhi Path http://www.bodhipath.org/chicago/ (Karma Kagyu)
Chicago Karma Thegsum Choling http://www.chicagoktc.org/ (Karma Kagyu)
Padmasambhava Buddhist Center http://www.padmasambhava.org/ (this one is Nyingma)
Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha http://www.chicagoratnashri.com/ (Drikung Kagyu)


Thanks for your help

-Matc

caz

The differences in practices between Tibetan Buddhists are not to different really many traditions share a recent common ancestor but presentations and practices will vary according to each lineage.

FoibleFull

Oh, Gelek Rimpoche (Jewel Heart Centre) is about as real as they come.

Zengo

Nyingma (old translation school)- Brought to Tibet by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), emphasizes practice and believes that the highest meditation practice is dzogchen.

New Translation Schools
Kagyu- Marpa the Translator brought the teachings to Tibet from India and his most famous disciple is Milarepa. If you are interested in Kagyu school, I highly recommend reading the Life of Milarepa. Its an amazing book, regardless of what tradition you eventually follow.
Gelug- Founded by Lama Tsongkhapa. This school emphasizes philosophical study.
Sakya- Don't know that much about this lineage, but like the Gelug, it also emphasizes the importance of philosophical study

Dakini

I would love to attend a Bodhi Path Center, OP, but there aren't any around the West, AFAIK. Bodhi Path Centers focus on the Bodhisattva Path and related teachings. Unlike other Tibetan traditions, they don't go into Vajrayana much, meaning tantra. They do offer Chenrezig empowerments (Buddha of Compassion), but they don't offer Highest Yoga Tantra (look it up).

wisdombeing

I consider myself a Gelugpa Buddhist because i love the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa and I love the practice of Dorje Shugden, but i personally find some of the conflicts between and within the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism difficult to understand. I would like to find a Gelugpa centre in London which is not New Kadampa Tradition. Not because i don't like them but I have visited a few and they do not resonate with me. Their teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is an erudite teacher and i have read his books but I am just not keen on the centres I have visited. If anyone knows of any other centre in London which practices Dorje Shugden, please do let me know. Thanks.