Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

mahayana vs theravada

TheJourneyTheJourney
edited October 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I intend to research it more, but as of right now I can't choose between either of them. Lucky for me I don't like labels. Honestly, I agree with each of them on some points of disagreement. So I can't choose one 100%, as there are some points where I agree with the other school.(again, as of right now. I'm new to my journey) anyone else this way?

Comments

  • nanadhajananadhaja Veteran
    edited October 2010
    TheJourney wrote: »
    I intend to research it more, but as of right now I can't choose between either of them. Lucky for me I don't like labels. Honestly, I agree with each of them on some points of disagreement. So I can't choose one 100%, as there are some points where I agree with the other school.(again, as of right now. I'm new to my journey) anyone else this way?
    You don't say which school of Mahayana you are thinking of.
    I came to buddhism through the Vajrayana(Tibetan)tradition but eventually shifted to the Theravada tradition,so avoid arguments for one or the other.All I can suggest is perhaps visiting a few different temples if that is possible where you are and listen to the teachings,then investigate these teachings against the suttas. Don't be swayed by famous or flamboyant teachers.Listen,question,investigate.
    Best of luck on your journey.
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited October 2010
    Unfortunately the area I live does not have much in the area of buddhist centers/temples. There are a couple, but I don't even know there affiliation it's not like I would really have a choice there's one that would basically be the one i'd have to go to.
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited October 2010
    I would definately suggest that newcomers investigate the core teachings of the historical Buddha first.

    Regarding the different traditions, there's an article here about Theravada and Mahayana.

    http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/theramaya.html


    As far as my own preferences are concerned, I was an offline practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for many years.

    However, by chance, I discovered the teachings of the Theravada Thai Forest tradition. (Ajahn Chah to begin with -and then those of Ajahn Sumedho and others, ...and also the teachings of Ajahn Buddhadasa)

    These teachings, and the emphasis on meditation and present moment awareness, really resonated with me, and so, as well as reading the Pali Canon, I investigated off line and found this suits me a lot better now.



    .
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Follow the teaching that seems to benefit you the most. It could be that one of them is more beneficial to you due to the way you think, your past experiences, and so forth. So the dharma that is valuable is the one who is bringing you in the direction of liberation. In your judgement.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited October 2010
    TheJourney wrote: »
    I intend to research it more, but as of right now I can't choose between either of them. Lucky for me I don't like labels. Honestly, I agree with each of them on some points of disagreement. So I can't choose one 100%, as there are some points where I agree with the other school.(again, as of right now. I'm new to my journey) anyone else this way?
    Took me 20 years to decide "which way I dressed".
    And even though I consider myself a Theravada follower, I still swing into Mahayana at times, when I feel it's appropriate, skilful and beneficial. ;)
  • viewportviewport
    edited October 2010
    Ah, I was just about to ask the same.

    Theravada seems oldest, and follows the original Pali canon more?
    Mahayana seems newer? More devotional, and less practice?

    Somebody correct me. Thanks.

    Theravada seems very rooted in practice: meditation, insight, etc.
    Mahayana seems more devotional, with a myriad of "fairies" (bodhisattvas).

    Mahayana certainly seems more steeped in art and music. There seems to be a lot of material to let followers "feel in the mood". A common practice is to chant the name of Buddha or some fairy, in order to bring a wholesome image and atmosphere to one's mind.

    Personally, I'd say Mahayana practice is alluring, appeals to the senses. So many imageries, music, etc.

    You might wanna consider that there is a decided contrast between Theravada and Mahayana in certain conceps and insights.
    Mahayana deems all things (form, feeling, thoughts, consciousness, etc) as "empty", all "one and the same". This allows you to dispassionately look upon ill will and metta without dicrimination. (I'm not sure that's a good thing, i'm just saying that fact.)
    Theravada has a dualism here: ill will is bad (work hard to dispel it), metta is good. Paricularly, note the meditations on revulsive forms (decaying body, for eg).

    A particular sutra (does this come from Buddha?) highlights this difference:
    http://www.fodian.net/english/xinjing.htm

    The chinese version of the sutra is here:
    http://buddha.goodweb.cn/music/musictxt/boruo.asp
    I read chinese, don't know sanskrit.
    Also note the 1st mp3 song on this site. You'll understand what I mean by "alluring".
  • RichardHRichardH Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I practice with both a Theravadin Sangha, a lay group who's teachers are monastics in the Thai Forest tradition, and a Zen Sangha , the local Kwan Um group. On Sundays there is Theravadin group practice, on Tuesdays there is Zen group practice. There are retreats with both. There is no difference at heart. Even the Bodhisattva/Arahant (stay or go) difference is non-existent when doing practice. The teaching of Theravada are foundational, and common to all. There are good teachers in all schools.
  • JeremyKS1JeremyKS1
    edited October 2010
    I've found that "starting at the beginning" has served me well with regard to most things in my life. Hence, I find myself focusing more on Theravada at the moment.

    Of course, I've also found that being open and flexible with regard to spirituality has also served me well. So, I am ready to change course as grow.

    Honestly (as silly as it may sound) going with what "feels" right has usualy proven to be my best course of action.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Looking over this thread I will alert you that there are some wrong ideas (from my experience) about Mahayana and Therevada. You may not be able to consistently find good information in general about buddhism on forums. But its fun to participate. :o
  • RichardHRichardH Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Jeffrey wrote: »
    Looking over this thread I will alert you that there are some wrong ideas (from my experience) about Mahayana and Therevada. You may not be able to consistently find good information in general about buddhism on forums. But its fun to participate. :o
    Its pretty safe to say there are some wrong ideas period. Every so often the same thread comes up again, with new people. Maybe there can be a form response to pull out and post each time. Who is free of holding simplistic generalities around the different traditions? I'm not. Maybe it's best to just keep this nose to the grindstone.
  • GuyCGuyC Veteran
    edited October 2010
    The best we can do on these forums is try to practice Right Speech; saying what is truthful, kind and beneficial.
Sign In or Register to comment.