What's your tradition and how did you make the choice?
What's your tradition and how did you make the choice?
I practice Chan, Chinese Zen. The Chan temple was just the Buddhist centre closest to me, but I've never regretted the choice. I like the bodhisattva vows, and appreciate the focus on meditation. I'm also a fan of Chinese culture, and I like the traditions of Chan more than Japanese Zen. What about you?
I grew up being exposed to Nichiren Buddhism, which is of the Mahayana tradition, through my mother. So I never really "chose" that, but it is what opened the door to all of this for me.
Because of my status as someone in recovery from substance abuse, and because I've always disliked organized "religion" of any kind, I prefer to simply practice the Dharma secularly (through a Sangha/fellowship like Recovery Dharma). No strict tradition. No organizational structure. No figureheads. Peer lead Buddhism, using the Dharma like it's a computer programming manual for your brain and life.
That's the way I incorporate Buddhism into my life.
As someone with minimal knowledge or education im Buddhism but several years of near-regular medication practice, do you have any recommendations for readings related to what you refer to as a secular Dharma practice? I’d love to learn more but I’m having a hard time figuring out where to start with reading.
I study and practice Chan as well. I've been interested in lots of different forms of buddhism over the years, but Chan is for sure my cup of tea! If you're interested i started a little Chan community, although we are also open to posts on Seon, Thien, and Zen. It's at zen.ee Thanks for your post!