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Question

naturelovernaturelover
edited October 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Would you recommend The Thai Forest tradition branch of the Theravada Buddhist tradition?

Thanks

Comments

  • HanzzeHanzze Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Yes, but try to find a place far away from western influence. Just walk and step in. If you are able to give up worldly things and luxury, that is the strait and safe way to walk.
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    edited October 2010
    nature lover wrote: »
    Would you recommend The Thai Forest tradition branch of the Theravada Buddhist tradition?

    Thanks

    Yes, I would, and this is mainly due to their focus on meditation and their belief that awakening is still a possibility that's 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.

    For a short history of the Thai Forest Tradition, I suggest reading Thanissaro Bhikkhu's essay, "The Customs of the Noble Ones."
  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited October 2010
    I would just say I think there's enough opportunity to practice meditation, read the texts, and practice the bodhisattva motivation. I don't want to start the whole Mahayana v. Theravada discussion all over again, so I guess that's just IMHO.
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    edited October 2010
    SherabDorje wrote: »
    I would just say I think there's enough opportunity to practice meditation, read the texts, and practice the bodhisattva motivation.

    I agree.
    I don't want to start the whole Mahayana v. Theravada discussion all over again, so I guess that's just IMHO.

    I don't see why you would. Nobody's even mentioned Mahayana. :confused:
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