Attending talks at a Theravaden temple

[Ivy]

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?
I recently found a temple not too far from me, that has dharma talks and meditation sessions once a week.  This is the only Buddhist group I've been able to find in my area... wouldn't there be benefit from meeting with a group of buddhists even if they are from another tradition?

[awacs]

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?
I recently found a temple not too far from me, that has dharma talks and meditation sessions once a week.  This is the only Buddhist group I've been able to find in my area... wouldn't there be benefit from meeting with a group of buddhists even if they are from another tradition?

 All tree schools are established by Buddha, so there is no reason why you should avoid any of them. There is no lower or higher school in absolute sense, difference is in methods, and motivation. Reason why are there so many teachings is in diverse between peoples themselves, so you personally choose what you like the most.

[Ivy]

I should maybe clarify...
It's not that I thought the school was unequal, but because I want to continue to study the Gelug tradition.
I've received a lot of benefit from my practice and want to continue. Unfortunately, there are no lamas  in my area, and I feel the need to connect with other buddhists.

I am just wondering if this will cause confusion. I recall hearing Rinpoche saying something to this effect on several occasions...
However, maybe the situation is different with me since there are no other options... 

[awacs]

I should maybe clarify...
It's not that I thought the school was unequal, but because I want to continue to study the Gelug tradition.
I've received a lot of benefit from my practice and want to continue. Unfortunately, there are no lamas  in my area, and I feel the need to connect with other buddhists.

Then you should know that Vowed Morality (Vinaya) is one of five major subjects in Gelugpa geshe curriculum. I think they study it for about 10 (yes ten) years. They regard it as the very reason why should higher practices work. So, in a way it is complementary study. 

I am just wondering if this will cause confusion. I recall hearing Rinpoche saying something to this effect on several occasions...
However, maybe the situation is different with me since there are no other options... 

There are some philosophical differences regarding concepts of selflessness or emptiness, self made Buddhas..., but nothing that should concern you. Actually, learning about different concepts of selflessness is very beneficial, because you will find them all in your mind, and thus easier recognize them. In geshe curriculum another mayor subject is Madhyamaka where you study concepts of emptiness (selflessness) from all schools. So, there should be no problem concerning attending Theravadan groups, if you don't develop sectarian view. Of course if you have your lama you should first discuss it with him, but there should be no problems whatsoever.

EDIT: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htm

[Ivy]

Great, thanks

[wmw111]

Actually this topic makes me appreciate the Lam Rim so much more. By knowing the Lam Rim it helps us to understand the various Buddhist traditions and where to place these traditions within the Lam RIm
.
The Lam Rim is divided into small scope , medium scope and great scope. theravadan has teachings shared with the small and medium scope. They do not emphasize about bodhicitta or the mahayana motivation. Also there is no tara, manjushri, setrap practices and other tantric deities.  Not much focus on visualization as far as I know.

No harm in going but just be aware of the differences so you do not get too shocked  or confused:)  or see contradictions , there are no contradictions within what Buddha taught . 
 

[awacs]

The Lam Rim is divided into small scope , medium scope and great scope. theravadan has teachings shared with the small and medium scope. They do not emphasize about bodhicitta or the mahayana motivation. Also there is no tara, manjushri, setrap practices and other tantric deities.  Not much focus on visualization as far as I know.

Just to clarify if somebody doesn't know, scope here refers to the intention of the practitioner. So people of small scope mainly want to create good causes for this life, and their next favorable rebirth. Peoples of medium scope actually want to attain liberation (which they absolutely can within this school) for themselves, while peoples of greater scope want to become Buddha's for benefiting all other beings. This of course is technical division which does not mean that there are no truly great Bodhisattvas and compasionate beings within Theravadan schools, and vice versa. 
Another division is to smaller and greater vehicle, with same meaning. 

[wmw111]

Thanks AWACS for further clarification ,
AWACS does see everything lol

[Ivy]

Just to let you guys know, I did start going to these sessions, and it has been a really positive experience.  The teachings, the meditations, and the people have been very helpful.  Actually, the first person I met sitting outside temple, turns out to be a neighbor of mine, who lives only two houses away and we have never met  

[Joey]

Just to let you guys know, I did start going to these sessions, and it has been a really positive experience.  The teachings, the meditations, and the people have been very helpful.  Actually, the first person I met sitting outside temple, turns out to be a neighbor of mine, who lives only two houses away and we have never met  

Maybe you could hang out with the neighbor a little more. After all Dharma practice is easier when you have a fellow practitioner around.

[SharpPudding]

  If you regard them as people seeking only self liberation and you have Bodhisattva vows then you are limited to spending a few days continuously in their company, also you cannot influence hinayana practitioners to abandon hinayana, or Mahayana practitioners to abandon Mahayana for that matter.
 
 You don't have to worry much about being confused by learning from another authentic Buddhist school's view unless you learn things halfway and then make judgments. Some HYT actually require that you understand the doctrines of the 4 schools of thought.

 

[Joey]

  If you regard them as people seeking only self liberation and you have Bodhisattva vows then you are limited to spending a few days continuously in their company, also you cannot influence hinayana practitioners to abandon hinayana, or Mahayana practitioners to abandon Mahayana for that matter.
 
 You don't have to worry much about being confused by learning from another authentic Buddhist school's view unless you learn things halfway and then make judgments. Some HYT actually require that you understand the doctrines of the 4 schools of thought.

 

she's just a newbie. no need to scare her...haha

[SharpPudding]

I dunno, I suspect she is not a newbie. But I'm just guessing here hehe.