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

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Its not necessary to see things this way to start out. I certainly didn't and I still have my doubts. Buddha's last words were, "Work out your own salvation with diligence". It is up to us to penetrate the matter for ourselves, and this transcends any school of Buddhism (according to Wampus school). Yet, unless the four truths at the root of Buddhism seem close to your truth, or at least convincing enough to look into, then it might be worth considering your decision a little more.

The one thing that led me away from becoming Buddhist about 3 years ago was that i could not fully accept the teachings of any single school of thought that I looked into. I realise that sangha (the buddhist community) is very important and i thought if I couldn't belong to a paricular school then the sangha could not accept me.

Wampus's statement above reminded me of the Buddha's final words, it also reminded me that Siddhartha did not belong to a school, he was the original.
So, my question is this, is it possible to be an eclectic Buddhist (take what you feel is right, and discard the rest) and be accepted in the sangha as a Buddhist?

[Evenstar]

Im thinking if you wanted to be a true/proper Buddhist school would be the best.

Then saying this and answering your question.... I just take the bits I would like to add to my life and disregard the rest.

If it makes you happy and a better person, whats the harm? Not sure if you would be accepted in the Sangha (dont know enough about this lol)... should have kept my mouth shut

[Green Gaia]

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
-Buddha

In answer your question, in my understanding I would say, 'no'. If you agree with an established school of thought, then go with it. But if you don't, I see no reason why you shouldn't continue with the Buddhist practice if it right for you.

[St0ne]

No I don't think so, I think you must use your logic and reasoning to find what is true and what is not from the teachings of the Buddha nd the Sangha, in the end the journey to enlightenment rests wholly on your own shoulders so make sure you investigate things you or the sangha diagree with thoroughly and if you have made a mistake accept it.

All schools of Buddhism have changed over time some less than others, I think a true Buddhist doesn't need to belong to a school to tell him\her how to see things, that must come from yourself but don't completely abandon the sangha if you disagree on something if you know for sure you are right in your beliefs you may be able to help others, isn't that the whole point of the sangha?

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

The one thing that led me away from becoming Buddhist about 3 years ago was that i could not fully accept the teachings of any single school of thought that I looked into. I realise that sangha (the buddhist community) is very important and i thought if I couldn't belong to a paricular school then the sangha could not accept me.

Wampus's statement above reminded me of the Buddha's final words, it also reminded me that Siddhartha did not belong to a school, he was the original.
So, my question is this, is it possible to be an eclectic Buddhist (take what you feel is right, and discard the rest) and be accepted in the sangha as a Buddhist?

Halcyon -
Many people do this. It all depends on what you want to do, and where your practice takes you. Many people will also begin dharma practice in one tradition/school, and move to another as their understanding and awareness opens and deepens.

That said, different groups are going to have different acceptance levels as well. Some will have rather strict guidelines, and some will be more relaxed. There are some non-sectarian sanghas out there that I am aware of. Take your time, and when it is right you will know.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I realise that sangha (the buddhist community) is very important and i thought if I couldn't belong to a paricular school then the sangha could not accept me...So, my question is this, is it possible to be an eclectic Buddhist (take what you feel is right, and discard the rest) and be accepted in the sangha as a Buddhist?

To be recognised as a Buddhist means different things to different groups. Some will expect your beliefs and lifestyle to strongly reflect their own, others might not fuss unless you turned up to meditation practice drunk with your mp3 player on full. If your disagreement with some aspects of Buddhism gets in the way of joining a sangha there may be others. The sangha serves many purposes and ultimately these should encourage and support people towards realising their buddha-nature.

Whatever happens keep up meditation

Edit: apologies to those who've already said similiar things. Consider me a warped echo!

[yakov91]

I don't really belong to a 'school' of Buddhism, I really only identify myself as a Buddhist.

yakov91

[zenzero]

Friends,
Its not about schools.
Existence has no begining and no end. Even humans are in between and to rejoin the source of existence huamns have been doing so before the advent of any schools of any learning as just by living naturally itself one is living in harmony and one with the source.
Similarly Gautama Buddha was not the first enlightened human or the last; always in between, middle.
Schools are good for training as the real awakening requires the individual to be awake and school [academic] was a good place for allowing sleep to come in for this self here.
The choices are increasing by the day and remains individual.
Love & rgds

[Somkid]

I would say no I didn't have one for 6 years until I became a monk.