A View on Buddhism

[beginners mind]

Hello,

And Welcome Moderator Federica! What an excellent addition to this site!

I wanted to ask a question; does Theravada place an equal or higher emphasis on meditation than other schools or traditions of Buddhism?

Are there certain schools that place a higher or more important emphasis on analysis?

Basically, I am investigating different schools with a view to furthering my study down one path as it were.

I am looking for a "simple" philosophy without too many frills or rituals and where there is not too much emphasis on having a personal relationship with a teacher (as I do not really see this as possible in the foreseeable future).

It is not a case of "better" etc. just a tradition that suits me.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Lisa
_________________
“When you realise how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky”

Buddha

[Federica]

Yes.
If you look at the post I placed in the thread ("Matters specific to Theravada") you will see that The Buddha placed great emphasis on meditation....
I have put some very useful links and references there.

The one thing that attracted me to Theravada, after such a long time of 'drifting' - for want of a better word! - ws the simplicity of its approach to practice.

If I could impart any really good and worthy snippet of advice to anyone it would be to Be Mindful, and to simplify.

A very good friend, (A theravadan Monk) told me that to concentrate on the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and to implement the Five precepts was a good start - and continuation - for anyone. And then, a young Theravadan nun brought it down to just one element - being constantly Mindful.
Being Mindful means, for me, to shed all the emotional and mental extraneous, hindering, weighty addictive clutter, and just try to remain in the Present Moment.

The very venerable Huifeng (a monk and Moderator on another forum) made it so crystal clear for me:

[chetter]

it doesn't matter what school or where and how the teaching comes from what matter is if the teaching is wholesome or unwholesome or doese it base on faith or on reasonings. if the teaching has proof or just the understanding of it. if any teaching make sense to you in that way then it really doesn't matter if the great teaching is buddhist or THE TOA or zen or jessus teachings or philosphy as long as the teaching able to answer what you are seeking

[Federica]

Answers are not necessary if they are not conducive to practice.
The only reason we practice Buddhism is to understand suffering and the end of suffering.
_________________
A present moment free from dukkha.
A present moment with wisdom and understanding.
These are not simply guaranteed by "living in the moment".

"Be Mindful, and Simplify".

http://www.gooddogconsultations.co.uk

http://www.armchairadvice.co.uk/relationships/forum/

[matt]

How do you know what is conducive to practise?
_________________
I want to be more compassionate, humbel and loving.

[Federica]

The Buddha was quite clear on what is NOT conducive to practice. The conjecture upon matters unanswerable to an unenlightened mind....

Furthermore, the question you should always hold in your mind when 'asking questions,' is - 'how will knowing the answer to this further and improve my practice?'

If you cannot find a constructive motive, it is best to lay things aside and do one of 3 things:
Await a moment when to ask the question Will bring an answer that WILL be conducive and take you to a further step along the Path;
Lay it aside and know that it never will be;
Accept the current status and use THAT to further your progress along the path. Even not knowing, is knowing something.

What does not make sense now, may well make sense later on. if it does, good.
if it doesn't, it doesn't matter.

The thing to concentrate upon is The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts.
This is more than enough for anyone, in one lifetime - why complicate matters?
_________________
A present moment free from dukkha.
A present moment with wisdom and understanding.
These are not simply guaranteed by "living in the moment".

"Be Mindful, and Simplify".

http://www.gooddogconsultations.co.uk

http://www.armchairadvice.co.uk/relationships/forum/

[matt]

That is interesting Federika, I never heard that teaching from the Buddha, but that is definitely the standard I hold my own questions to in teachings, but what is and is not conducive to practise has definitely changed for me with time and experience. What is relevent broadens out with time, and an attentive student learns to listen to things he or she would have ignored or thought off the topic previously.

It is obvious you are taking your moderation seriously and trying to do a good job for the sake of others enjoying this forum, but I found Pohtiongho's questions interesting and insightful, I thought it was tactful of him to try to teach by asking questions, and he has a good point that he grew up in a Theravedan society, which probably means he spent time as a monk as a young man, and none of us have.

Anyway, we are all simply doing our best, but I just can't imagine a Theravedan teacher shutting down that conversation. Strong opinions about practise are one of the things we all have to learn to overcome, in my opinion. Thank you for doing your best, and I hope you will continue to do what you believe will make this a productive forum.
_________________
I want to be more compassionate, humbel and loving.

[beginners mind]