Differences between sects

[avatamsaka3]

Are there any texts you can recommend that describe the difference between the different Tibetan traditions? Yes, I have researched it myself. But I'm asking what you personally have found to be useful.

[Queequeg]

Some people may have objection but I found Reginald Ray's two volumes, "Secret of the Vajra World" and "Indestructible Truth" informative. I do not follow a Tibetan tradition, though.

[Ayu]

I believe, practically there are no important differences.
If you are searching for information due to the question which tradition to follow, maybe it's better to follow your heart.

[madhusudan]

This one is kinda fun reading and may interest you:

https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-ma ... ur-schools

[conebeckham]

What I have found personally useful is to attend events at various centers, to get a feel for the flavor of practice and instruction.

I think the reading recommendations are good ones. The similarities, especially for someone outside of a Tibetan cultural background, will probably be far greater than the differences, in terms of daily practice, etc. Philosophical positions, and the relative value of such positions to more concrete meditation instruction, certainly differ. The actual prayers recited and practices undertaken will share a common core, but there will be specific methods for different lineages, for sure.

[kalden yungdrung]

Are there any texts you can recommend that describe the difference between the different Tibetan traditions? Yes, I have researched it myself. But I'm asking what you personally have found to be useful.

Tashi delek,

The Tibetan Spiritual Traditions have here and there some historical differences which results in different Lineages with different Adi Buddhas.

They share similarities like : Compassion and Wisdom which form for all of them the base of their practise, no doubt about it.
This is a very important base because their Buddhas have it for the full 100 % realized and their adherents work on those specific realizations with different methods which causes different realizations on the ladder to Liberation.

[pemachophel]

I'd recommend Jamgon Kongtrul's The Ri-me Philosophy: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet translated by Roingu Tulku and published by Shambhala (2006), ISBN-13 978-1-59030-286-9. Should be what you're looking for.

[Schrödinger’s Yidam]

Some people may have objection but I found Reginald Ray's two volumes, "Secret of the Vajra World" and "Indestructible Truth" informative. I do not follow a Tibetan tradition, though.

“Indestructible Truth” has the material on the 4 traditions.

[Dorje Shedrub]

Some of the main differences in the explanations that the four traditions give of the teachings come from their ways of defining and using technical terms, as well as from their presenting the Dharma from different points of view.

For instance, the pair “permanent/impermanent” can mean either static/non-static or eternal/temporary. When the Gelugpas say that the mind is impermanent, they are referring to the fact that our minds are aware of different objects in each moment and so they never remain static. On the other hand, when Kagyupas and Nyingmapas explain that the mind is permanent, they are referring to the fact that the mind’s nature never changes and that it has no beginning or end. Both sides would agree, however, with the others’ assertions, despite their positions regarding the mind’s impermanence or permanence, on the surface, are diametrically opposed.

Another difference is that Gelug explains the Dharma from the point of view of ordinary beings, Sakya from that of highly realized aryas on the path, while Kagyu and Nyingma from the point of view of enlightened beings. So, for instance, Gelug says the subtlest mind still has the habits of ignorance, like at the time of death; Sakya says it is blissful like it is generated on the path; while Kagyu and Nyingma explain it has everything complete and perfect already, as in the case of Buddhas. Further, Gelug and Sakya explain from the point of view of practitioners who proceed slowly in stages, while Kagyu and Nyingma often present the path as it occurs with those rare practitioners for whom “everything happens at once.”
MORE: https://studybuddhism.com/en/advanced-s ... ons-differ

DS

[Grigoris]

This one is kinda fun reading and may interest you:

https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-ma ... ur-schools

I love this one!

[avatamsaka3]

Thank you, everyone. Your replies are appreciated.

[SilenceMonkey]

The values of each tradition are sometimes different. They may emphasize certain aspects of the teachings and certain practices over others... giving certain reasonings for these positions, usually depending on the great masters of the past in that particular lineage. And so each lineage will have a certain flavor or “style.”

But it’s all just ways of developing bodhicitta and emptiness. And the goal is the same:

To liberate all sentient beings from suffering. Forever!

[Mantrik]

Choose in this order:
Guru (and Sangha)
Practice
Sect

If you choose the first wisely, the second will come, and the third be irrelevant.

[Fortyeightvows]

Check out this thread

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=29590

[Fortyeightvows]

Choose in this order:
Guru (and Sangha)
Practice
Sect

If you choose the first wisely, the second will come, and the third be irrelevant.

This is very well put.

I’ll add that I think people follow their family’s tradition or if not then whatever groups are nearby their home and work.

[tingdzin]

Contrary to what one of the above posters said, I think there are very important differences between schools, especially for non-native practitioners. Although all include both practice and study, some emphasize the former and some the latter. Some encourage one to integrate the two as one goes along, others insist that establishing the right philosophical view must precede serious meditative practice. Some have a strong lay component, while others see the monastic institution as a sine qua non for real practice. While it is admirable to avoid sectarianism, this should not preclude choosing a path, which is, if you aim at being a serious practitioner and not just an Internet Practitioner or once-a-week Buddhist, one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.

I would also say beware in choosing a teacher first. Many beginning students are quick to try to establish a connection with and commit to a teacher based purely on an emotional feeling, and often they are disappointed when the teacher later proves to be different from what they expected. It is crucial in choosing a path that you are honest about your own motivations, and find a tradition that best suits your goals. Take your time, but don't waste it -- life is short.

[tingdzin]

Ooops -- sorry -- meant to post this in "differences between Tibetan lineages" in the general Tibetan Buddhism section. Two similar discussions going on at the same time.