I have several books on buddhism but understand it differs depending on the region - do the teachings remain the same? Is it just a cultural change due to the region?
2007-01-03 03:20:45 · 5 answers · asked by iou 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Try this site:http://www.bswa.org
2007-01-03 10:50:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which sect should I study?
It might help you make a decision if you study the history of how Buddhism spread in Asia. Perhaps, there is something along your readings that will peek your interest. (Suggestions: A Short History of Buddhism by Edward Conze, Buddhism by Bernard Faure)
Do the teachings remain the same?
Traditions from Theravada, Mahayana to Vajrayana seem to share these core teachings: http://www.buddhaweb.org/ (terms/words may be different from tradition to tradition.)
Is it just a cultural change due to the region? Yes.
2007-01-03 08:49:57 · answer #2 · answered by funkypup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are indeed many sects. Some are more modernized than others, and I would say that it is only a matter of culture. I'm certain that Buddha asserts one needs only to know the Four Noble Truths. Teachings beyond that are just consequences of these truths.
Learn a little about each sect to keep well-rounded and if something in particular attracts you, pursue it further.
2007-01-03 03:27:41 · answer #3 · answered by Bugmän 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Recommendation is to study southern Asia Buddhism,
they kept Buddha's traditional teaching the best.
Study Vipassana, I think it can benefit the 'modern' people better than other branches~
2007-01-03 03:39:15 · answer #4 · answered by The Catalyst 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi man, There are 3 types of buddhism... Teravada, Mahayana and Varjayana and all with different practice.
I have answered this question for many times, maybe to cut it short, maybe you can visit my site and you can understand more about Tibetan Buddhism (if you are interested)
http://www.tsondruegyatso.blogspot.com
Hope it will be benificial for you, keep it in your favourite list as i update my site all the time.
my other sites that you might be interested is
http://www.tibetan-rituals.blogspot.com
http://www.buddhist-stories.blogspot.com
http://www.yellow-dzambala.blogspot.com
And also email me your contact so that we can have discussions on buddhism matters.
you can reach me at tsondrue.gyatso@gmail.com
2007-01-03 20:48:12 · answer #5 · answered by gerald j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋