I consider myself Theravada in belief, though is it improper to attend a Zen temple? I live in the Houston area, and all of the local temples (within 20 miles) are Zen temples. I know that I would be welcome at the temples, but would the Zen teachings conflict with Theravada teachings too much?
thank you,
Nirrtix
Should a Theravada Buddhist attend a Zen temple?
- Tranquil Winds
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:02 pm
Re: Should a Theravada Buddhist attend a Zen temple?
I have had a lot of experience with Soto Zen Buddhism. I wouldn't say that the teachings conflict, necessarily. However, they are a different approach and have a different 'flavor' to them.
Metta
Metta
May all beings be happy.
Re: Should a Theravada Buddhist attend a Zen temple?
Maybe I should go to one of each and see whether the difference is a big deal to me personally. I have been to Theravada temples in Thailand, but the monks there spoke Thai. I was not able to ask them questions etc.Tranquil Winds wrote:I have had a lot of experience with Soto Zen Buddhism. I wouldn't say that the teachings conflict, necessarily. However, they are a different approach and have a different 'flavor' to them.
Metta
The Zen temples are all over where I currently live.
- Tranquil Winds
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:02 pm
Re: Should a Theravada Buddhist attend a Zen temple?
That sounds like a good idea! I mean, it is all Buddhism. Zen is a more 'experience' based than Theravada is. Now, when I say that, I mean that they generally don't focus on the suttas and the real 'knitty-gritty' that Theravada,like you'll find on this forum, focuses on. Of course, it is different all over.Nirrtix wrote:Maybe I should go to one of each and see whether the difference is a big deal to me personally. I have been to Theravada temples in Thailand, but the monks there spoke Thai. I was not able to ask them questions etc.Tranquil Winds wrote:I have had a lot of experience with Soto Zen Buddhism. I wouldn't say that the teachings conflict, necessarily. However, they are a different approach and have a different 'flavor' to them.
Metta
The Zen temples are all over where I currently live.
May all beings be happy.