Keeping within the school?

[Shui_Di]

Hello Sangha,

I have been considering a question for a little while regarding "keeping within the tradition" of our specific flavor of Buddhism inspired by the discussion under Mujin's "study" thread active recently. My main question is, to what degree should one keep to works "within" the tradition, i.e written by Soto zen authors and adjacent, and to what degree is it advisable to consider other teachings as well? My reason for asking is that since some concepts are viewed differently by different schools, I imagine that going too far outside your own school may lead to your understanding being more reflective of those sources rather than the teachings that support the practice within your own school. Which leads me to my second question, what writings can be considered universal (such as the Dhammapada?) and where does the division into schools begin in terms of sutras or other texts? Obviously a book from say, the Dalai Llama, shows pretty clearly its bias, but in other cases it may not be as obvious to someone with less experience. My main concern with this topic is considering topics and teachings that may advance my "general" understanding, but not my understanding of the Soto Zen school, if that makes sense. Apologies if there is an answer on the forums I have not been able to find

Thank you all in advance

Gassho
SatLah

[Shui_Di]

Shui Di! One of the original Treeleafers!

In this Kung Fu, we give up all notion of win and lose, even life and death ... yet keep practicing and training sincerely and diligently, meeting circumstances as they come. Avoiding anger and violence as best we can, do what needs to be done to Save All Sentient Beings.

Gasho, J
stlah

Thank you Jundo Roshi for the teaching

_/|\_. Gassho.

Satlah (anyway, is it a new word?)

[Ankai]

Gasho,

I learn about Zazen from Jundo more than decade ago.

Hey, man, how are you??

ST
LAH

[Shui_Di]

Hi Ankai, I am doing fine. After wandering around. Having a lot doubt about even Buddhism, I tried Nembutsu, Theravada Vipassana, Tantric practice, and somehow I feel like all are back to Zazen.

For example, Nembutsu. The goal is to be reborn in Amitabha pureland. But to be reborn there, means the mind is reborn. Understanding that mind is no different with Amitabha is being reborn in the Buddha pureland. So, I find it is a beautiful tradition and method. But in Zen we are even more direct. When we sit Zazen dropping the body and mind, (even there is nothing to be dropped), in Zazen we taste the union with the ocean of Buddhas. So why look for another pureland. Zazen is pureland. Once we sit in Zazen, that's already a pureland.

And it is also with Tantric practice. It has a lot of ceremonial thing as its method. The goal is Mahamudra or Dzogchen which is the union between method and wisdom. Union between oneself to the Buddha Nature. Maybe for some people they like using a many variation of methods like in Vajrayana school. But in Zen, we keep it simple and direct. Zazen itself is no different with Mahamudra or Dzogchen. (In my understanding). The style of our Soto Zen way shikantaza, is very direct to the core of Dharma. And once again, I am back to Zazen.

And when I got turbulence of life, I have no time to use many method. And in my experience, Zazen is the most practical, direct, and here I am. Back to treeleaf to meet Jundo Roshi and all treeleafers.

Gassho,
Shui Di /Mujo