If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

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Dugu
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If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Dugu »

Just curious which tradition would you guys have pick if there was no Theravada. :smile:
BudSas
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by BudSas »

Dugu wrote:Just curious which tradition would you guys have pick if there was no Theravada. :smile:
Any "tradition" which respects and encourages us to practice the Noble Eightfold Path would be acceptable.

... the Blessed One said, "In any doctrine & discipline where the noble eightfold path is not found, no contemplative of the first... second... third... fourth order [stream-winner, once-returner, non-returner, or arahant] is found. But in any doctrine & discipline where the noble eightfold path is found, contemplatives of the first... second... third... fourth order are found. The noble eightfold path is found in this doctrine & discipline, and right here there are contemplatives of the first... second... third... fourth order. Other teachings are empty of knowledgeable contemplatives. And if the monks dwell rightly, this world will not be empty of arahants."
(Mahaparinibbana Sutta, DN 16, trans. Bhikkhu Thanissaro)


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retrofuturist
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,

(Old school) Ch'an or Zen.

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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jcsuperstar
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by jcsuperstar »

i started in zen, and was quite happy there, i only ended up in theravada because i had a ticket to thailand and decided to use my time there visiting and living in temples... so if no theravada then it'd still be zen
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EricJ
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by EricJ »

Well, I am not "officially" Theravadin (yet), but I will give my opinion anyway.

Probably Tibetan or Shingon. Vajrayana seems to have quite an array of meditative practices, both samatha and vipassana, which appeal to me more than the single practice methods of Chan/Zen or the pure devotionalism of Pure Land/Nichiren. I must admit that I also find the rituals, philosophy and theories behind tantric practice pretty captivating.
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With persistence aroused for the highest goal's attainment, with mind unsmeared, not lazy in action, firm in effort, with steadfastness & strength arisen, wander alone like a rhinoceros.

Not neglecting seclusion, absorption, constantly living the Dhamma in line with the Dhamma, comprehending the danger in states of becoming, wander alone like a rhinoceros.
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by tiltbillings »

Sautrāntika
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12

This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
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Dugu
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Dugu »

jcsuperstar wrote:i started in zen, and was quite happy there, i only ended up in theravada because i had a ticket to thailand and decided to use my time there visiting and living in temples... so if no theravada then it'd still be zen
How long were you in Zen? And what was it about Theravada that made you switch? :smile:
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by pink_trike »

Tibetan Bon Dzogchen.
Vision is Mind
Mind is Empty
Emptiness is Clear Light
Clear Light is Union
Union is Great Bliss

- Dawa Gyaltsen

---

Disclaimer: I'm a non-religious practitioner of Theravada, Mahayana/Vajrayana, and Tibetan Bon Dzogchen mind-training.
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Vardali
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Vardali »

Anyrhing with a strong focus on the teachings with no frills.
Rituals and guru "worship" are a bit of a turnoff for me.
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Sanghamitta »

Heedless hedonism.
If there was no Theravada I wouldnt bother. For me its the only logical coherent approach to life.

I am aware that other alternatives are on offer.
The going for refuge is the door of entrance to the teachings of the Buddha.

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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by cooran »

I would have remained an ardent practising Christian (Anglican).
---The trouble is that you think you have time---
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Dugu
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Dugu »

Sanghamitta wrote:Heedless hedonism.
If there was no Theravada I wouldnt bother. For me its the only logical coherent approach to life.

I am aware that other alternatives are on offer.
Sometimes I feel like I'm a hedonist trying my best to be Theravadan. :lol: So the other tradition does not appeal to you?
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BlackBird
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by BlackBird »

Yogācāra I guess. Not that I know anything about it.

metta
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'The Blessed One is the Teacher, I am a disciple. He is the one who knows, not I." - MN. 70 Kitagiri Sutta

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tiltbillings
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by tiltbillings »

BlackBird wrote:Yogācāra I guess. Not that I know anything about it.

metta
Jack
A good, accurate description can be found in R Gethin's FOUNDATION OF BUDDHISM.
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12

This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
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Dugu
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Re: If there was no Theravada, which tradition would you pick?

Post by Dugu »

Chris wrote:I would have remained an ardent practising Christian (Anglican).
Really Chris? That's interesting. I just assume everyone would pick a different Buddhist Tradition.
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