I am now considering Zen/Chan. I feel this tradition may be compatible with me due to less emphasis on rebirth which I am skeptical with and because it is fairly simplistic and isn't esoteric and I feel is good for lay people.
I did consider Theravada but was turned off by the fact that it is focused on monastics. I think the fact that it is not approachable for lay people is why so many people in Thailand and other Theravada countries consider themselves Buddhist but actually no very little of Buddhism.
For two and a half years I have considered myself a Buddhist and admittedly I have made little progress. At first things went well and everything meant sense but then I ended up ending up going into a group of Buddhism that wasn't really right for me. I ended up out of practice. Now I am hoping...
Well I think that the right answer definitely is that he is not an evil spirit because providing you believe in the Buddhist beliefs of the Law of Karma and Rebirth there would be no way that Tulku Dragpa Gyalsten (Dorje Shugden's previous incarnation) could have been reborn as a hungry spirit...
Do you believe that Dorje Shugden is a proper, enlightened Dharma protector or a harmful malevolent spirit? Do you agree with the Dalai Lama's enforcement of the ban of it?
I don't believe in any Gods, but do worship the Buddhist three jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) but not in the way you may worship God(s) just by paying respect, taking refuge and making offerings and making dedications before and after my Meditation practice.
No it has been proven he actually was real, he is a historical figure. He was just a spiritual teacher who we believe achieved insight into life and suffering and who taught the way to liberation, not a God.