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Theravada sub-schools?
johnathan
Canada Veteran
Just wondering if there is a more comprehensive list of Theravadin sub-schools than what the wiki has to offer:
Also, an someone direct me to a better online site or downloadable pdf. to get info on Thai Forest Tradition than the Wiki...
- Bangladesh:
- Burma:
- Thudhamma Nikaya
- Vipassana tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw and disciples
- Shwekyin Nikaya
- Dvaya Nikaya or Dvara Nikaya (see Mendelson, Sangha and State in Burma, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 1975)
- Thudhamma Nikaya
- Sri Lanka:
- Siam Nikaya
- Waturawila (or Mahavihara Vamshika Shyamopali Vanavasa Nikaya)
- Amarapura Nikaya
- Ramañña Nikaya
- forest nikaya
- Siam Nikaya
- Thailand
Also, an someone direct me to a better online site or downloadable pdf. to get info on Thai Forest Tradition than the Wiki...
0
Comments
It's my understanding that Vipasana is so basic to Theravada (and all forms of Buddhism) that the question of Vipasana is just assumed rather than explicitly mentioned. Practitioners eat, sleep, and practice Vipasana (among other things). The eating and sleeping are not mentioned because they're so basic. I would think it's the same with Vipasana. It's so basic as to be presumed, and therefore not mentioned.
I commenting on questions at the moment because I only have a week of knowledge so forgive me if I am wrong.
Dhammaloka Buddhist centre in Australia where Ajahn Brah teaches is a Theravada school, so couldn't that be added!
With love
Richard
Ajahn Brahm is a student of Ajahn Chah's. He's part of the same ordination linegae.
Currently I am leaning towards Thai Forest Tradition as it seems to have a close connection to nature which would fit well with my previous (and current) appreciation for Taoism.
from what I found on Dhammaloka Buddhism, it is of the Thai Forest Tradition of the Ajahn Chah lineage... It's current Spiritual Director is Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso...
I was looking for something a little more universal and accessible however (I live in Nova Scotia, Canada).
I have located a Theravada Center (not a temple) that meets once a month and on Vesak which I plan to contact (it is a 40km drive but that's not really an issue)...
Does anyone currently in the Thai Forest Tradition know anything about Taoism and their possible comparability? Also, other than their prefered location of meditation (ie. the forest) is there much variance from the practices of general Theravada?
Would one simple be a Theravadin Buddhist until such time that they can attend a Thai Forest Temple and be "welcomed" into the tradition as it were?
Also, I apologize for the multiple consecutive posts... That is often frowned apon but I find this a very forgiving lot
Yes, of course. There's no Thai Forest tradition "baptism" if that's what you mean. The Kammatthana tradition (also known as the Thai Forest tradition) itself is based on the importance of meditation as part of the practice, hence its name, which literally means "basis/place of work." For more information, you can check out this list of selected teachers in the Thai Forest tradition.
:smilec:
Thai Forest Tradition emphasises here & now enlightenment. It has little interest in matters such as rebirth.
Many Thai forest teachers teach non-duality similar to Taoism. Many Thai forest teachers teach the 'death' of self like the Tao. Ajahn Amaro (Ajahn Chah disciple) and Ajahn Buddhadasa often teach close to Tao.
Ajahn Amaro established a forest monastery in northern California.
Some things you can study include:
Video: Ajahn Chah - Mindful Way
Samatha and Vipassaná in Harmony
No Religion
Forest Wat Wild Monks
You can browse this website: http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/
Kind regards
:smilec:
Some Burmese schools have hijacked the term 'vipassana' and used it to name various techniques they have developed. The term vipassana means 'to see clearly'. It is not a technique but instead insight into the true nature of reality.
If by "his love of various forms of superstition" you mean his support for the bhikkhuni ordination that took place at Bodhinyana Monastery and his refusal to "acknowledging the invalidity of the ordination ceremony," then yes, you're right; Bodhinyana Monastery has been officially "delisted" as an affiliate from the so-called "Ajahn Chah Sangha":
Nevertheless, Ajahn Brahm is still in robes and a part of the Maha Nikaya ordination lineage, and he's still a student of Ajahn Chah's. Nobody can take that away from him.
I'd like to refocus this thread on the OP...
I know how side topics can creep in and would like further discussion about believing in rebirth or trying to "sway" any towards a certain line of thinking to another thread, I'm sure there are plenty already in full swing on this...
I am simply interested in sub-schools of Theravada Buddhism and how they differ from Basic Theravada...
More information on Thai Forest would be welcome as well, as that is the dirrection I am currently leaning...
Thanks
The main difference between the Thai Forest tradition and other Theravada traditions, at least historical, was their focus on meditation and their belief that awakening was still a possibility and open to all.
There was a time not that long ago in Theravada when it was generally believed that it's no longer possible to become an arahant — that we're living in a "degenerate age" — therefore monks usually spent most of their time studying the texts. Both monastics and non-monastics alike thought it was better to study the texts and to make merit than to practice meditation.
But thanks to monks like Ajahn Sao and Ajahn Mun (co-founders of the Kammatthana tradition) in Thailand, Mingun Jetavana Sayadaw in Burma, etc., who decided to start putting the Buddha's teachings on meditation back into practice, meditation has gained in popularity once again.
It's true that there are still some who hold this view — especially those who consider the Pali commentaries to be authoritative — but in general, I think you'll find that a lot of Theravadin teachers now stress the importance of meditation, although the Thai Forest tradition is especially well-known for this.