Do you need a Buddhist School to be a True Buddhist? (salvation, tradition)

[koan]

Does one need to belong to a particular school, to be a real Buddhist? Not really. However, once one passes from, Basic Buddhist teachings to the advanced, sometimes the advanced teachings may become a bit confusing or even appear to contradict, other teachings. I can only speak about Mahayana Buddhism, as that is the school I'm in and particularly, Seon(Zen, Cha'n,Thien).
Some Mahayana Sutra's appear to say something totally different to what the Pali Sutta's say. This is where a skilled teacher is nescessary. To explore these differences and to use them to break through mundane logic, I believe, it would definately be better to belong to a school. Saying that though, there is always the exception and some may find the way themselves.
What I have noticed, is that the people who don't wont to belong to any particular School or sect, only take the parts of the teachings which appeal to them. This is fine and if one follows these teachings with a pure heart, they will definately be beneficial.
That being said though, What happens if one wants to really explore the depths of Buddhism, and comes to a Crossroads, in the teachings? Which way should I go? These teachings appear to say different things, which is right? This quandry may actully be quite beneficial to ones progression of understanding. But which way is right? In Zen this leads to what we call the Great Doubt. We believe that it is nigh impossible to find enlightenment without this Great Doubt.
What is this Great Doubt, about which I'm talking? It is the doubt one comes to, when ones Logic and rationalisation can't answer! Now when this occurs, there is usually two outcomes. One becomes determined to break through the dilema, or one gives up, putting it into the too hard basket.
Again it comes back to the individual. But if this situation arises through ones own pursuit, Where will they turn to for advice and direction

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by koan

Does one need to belong to a particular school, to be a real Buddhist? Not really. However, once one passes from, Basic Buddhist teachings to the advanced, sometimes the advanced teachings may become a bit confusing or even appear to contradict, other teachings. I can only speak about Mahayana Buddhism, as that is the school I'm in and particularly, Seon(Zen, Cha'n,Thien).
Some Mahayana Sutra's appear to say something totally different to what the Pali Sutta's say. This is where a skilled teacher is nescessary. To explore these differences and to use them to break through mundane logic, I believe, it would definately be better to belong to a school. Saying that though, there is always the exception and some may find the way themselves.
What I have noticed, is that the people who don't wont to belong to any particular School or sect, only take the parts of the teachings which appeal to them. This is fine and if one follows these teachings with a pure heart, they will definately be beneficial.
That being said though, What happens if one wants to really explore the depths of Buddhism, and comes to a Crossroads, in the teachings? Which way should I go? These teachings appear to say different things, which is right? This quandry may actully be quite beneficial to ones progression of understanding. But which way is right? In Zen this leads to what we call the Great Doubt. We believe that it is nigh impossible to find enlightenment without this Great Doubt.
What is this Great Doubt, about which I'm talking? It is the doubt one comes to, when ones Logic and rationalisation can't answer! Now when this occurs, there is usually two outcomes. One becomes determined to break through the dilema, or one gives up, putting it into the too hard basket.
Again it comes back to the individual. But if this situation arises through ones own pursuit, Where will they turn to for advice and direction

I agree with much of what you're saying, koan.

When one decides to join a particular school of Buddhism, it doesn't make someone a "true" Buddhist (I'm not even really sure what that means). All one is doing is choosing a perspective on the Dharma that fits more easily with their disposition/temperament/aggregates/etc., etc., etc.

Being a part of a school certainly has it's benefits, though, because there is a sense of community available.




Peace,
Mystic

[MidnightBlue]

Heather & others:

We have locally a Zen community, a Tibetan community, a Tibetan community, and a New Kadampa community. The New Kadampa community is most accessible and offers many programs at little or no cost. I'd like to take advantage of those programs and learn at that center, even though I'm dubious about the New Kadampa movement.

What would you think of proceeding with that?

[koan]

The NKC is generally classed as a cult under a Buddhist heading. I for one would be very wary

[zenzero]

Friends,
Personally schools are formal institutions to mould individuals in a particular way.
Knowledge is available everywhere only the seeker should be there.
Buddha himself visited many gurus but they themselves where lacking in experience and finally exhausted took shelter under that Bodhi Tree and just did NOTHING.
Finally if one wants to do NOTHING; he can do so either by going to school or not going to school. All choices are open to do NOTHING at all times.
Love & rgds

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

Heather & others:

We have locally a Zen community, a Tibetan community, a Tibetan community, and a New Kadampa community. The New Kadampa community is most accessible and offers many programs at little or no cost. I'd like to take advantage of those programs and learn at that center, even though I'm dubious about the New Kadampa movement.

What would you think of proceeding with that?

MB -

Visit them all, and experience their styles of practice, as well as how they deal with visitors. See what resonates for you. See which centers you feel comfortable visiting. Then you have a place to begin.

Also remember that you are not required to maintain this initial choice for the rest of your life. If your path leads you in a new direction then follow your path.

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

Heather & others:

We have locally a Zen community, a Tibetan community, a Tibetan community, and a New Kadampa community. The New Kadampa community is most accessible and offers many programs at little or no cost. I'd like to take advantage of those programs and learn at that center, even though I'm dubious about the New Kadampa movement.

What would you think of proceeding with that?

Why not visit all of them?

Are you dubious of NKT because it split from my school so dramatically? They're very critical of the organization I'm affiliated with (FPMT).

I'd just do what Engyo advises. You're obviously savvy enough to know what jives with you and what doesn't, so just pay attention, and see where you're happiest when you're sitting.





Peace,
Mystic

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

Are you dubious of NKT because it split from my school so dramatically? They're very critical of the organization I'm affiliated with (FPMT).

Yes, that's it exactly. The whole thing is very ugly, and I tend to think the Dalai Lama has the upper hand in that argument.

On the other hand, there's whole gay thing, and I don't know if any of the Tibetans are a very good fit for a gay man. Shambhala's gay friendly, but we don't have a Shambhala center here any more.

I think visiting them all sounds like a good idea.