How do you know which of the five Buddhist families you belong to?

webster26

I've recently learnt about the five Buddhist families. I know it may only be relevant to certain aspects of Buddhism, but how do you know which family you belong to? Even if it's just for fun ^_^

Zayl

What are the five Buddhist families? my google-fu is failing me atm.

BonsaiDoug

Could this be what the OP is referencing?

http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1658

Or this?

http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/advanced/tantra/level2_basic_theory/buddha_family_traits.html

webster26

When I say the 5 Buddhist families I mean the link on shambhala Sun you posted. It's the one where each family corresponds to a wisdom, a poison, an antidote, an element, a season, a colour etc.

fivebells

Ken McLeod covers this framework in great detail in the Karma chapters of Wake Up To Your Life, and also in his recorded dharma talks at the retreat "Five Elements / Five Dakinis practice."

Any identification between a person and a single element is highly contingent. It is much better to look at the elements as they arise in each fabrication/formation/emotional reaction.

Jeffrey

We have all of the elements but we specialize in 1 or more.

Oh and say vajra. You don't have to 'get' more of these. There is already enough vajra energy in the universe and you don't have to 'get' more.