i personally prefer the nyingma to the gelukpa. the former are more laid-back, humble and mystical and older. the latter are clergy-centered and very hierarchical.
The whole point of "open source buddhism" came from my own similar dilemma. there are things i still like about protestantism too.
There is no need for Americans to pick one narrow tradition. Mix them, match them, like some things about some of them, dislike other things about them too.
Go for the bits you like and select out the rest! Join me in opensourcebuddhism....
Olebruc, each school is attractive to people of differing personalities. If you are analytical, like scholastic teachings, then Gelugpa may be for you. If you are more reflective, and believe the analytical mind takes us further from the Truth, then Ch'an/Zen may be for you. As the Buddha said, try each one, giving them a chance, then see which one fits you the best. Give at least 6 months of serious practice before deciding it isn't for you. Hope that helps.
ps,
i personally prefer the nyingma to the gelukpa. the former are more laid-back, humble and mystical and older. the latter are clergy-centered and very hierarchical.
your choice!
James
opensourcebuddhism 3 years ago
The whole point of "open source buddhism" came from my own similar dilemma. there are things i still like about protestantism too.
There is no need for Americans to pick one narrow tradition. Mix them, match them, like some things about some of them, dislike other things about them too.
Go for the bits you like and select out the rest! Join me in opensourcebuddhism....
james
opensourcebuddhism 3 years ago
I am 16 years old, I am a buddhist but i want to choose between Gelug school of tibetan buddhism or Ch'an, please can somebody helpme??
I love tibetan, chinese and japanese traditions!
But i need to choose between one of them, geluk or chan!
Thanks!!
Olebruc 3 years ago
Olebruc, each school is attractive to people of differing personalities. If you are analytical, like scholastic teachings, then Gelugpa may be for you. If you are more reflective, and believe the analytical mind takes us further from the Truth, then Ch'an/Zen may be for you. As the Buddha said, try each one, giving them a chance, then see which one fits you the best. Give at least 6 months of serious practice before deciding it isn't for you. Hope that helps.
buutich 3 years ago