Local Sanghas/Temples

[lotus-of-the-mtn]

I was looking for local groups to practice with. None are in the Soto Zen tradition. There are actually a good number of Theravada groups, two nichiren ones, a kwan um zen center, etc.

As we should not be attached to labels our "dogmas", my question is what experience do you all have with other Buddhist sects and what can you tell me about your time among them? Kwan Um is close, and it's Zen, which is what I'm familiar with. I will likely visit them soon. But what about the others? Theravada tradition? Nichiren? Diamond Way? Dzogchen?

Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

Gassho
Tamber
satlah

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[Jishin]

Hi Tamber,

I think it doesn't get more local than Teeeleaf which I carry in my pocket most of the time.

[emoji3]

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[lotus-of-the-mtn]

I figured that might be the response 🤣 should have just settled with that.

That definitely helps. Thanks Jishin!

Gassho
Tamber
satlah

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[Jishin]

[emoji12]

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Ryushi]

I am fortunate to live in an area where Zen sanghas are plentiful. Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco all have plenty of options. So, there's a nagging idea in my head that I should connect with a physical sangha. Yet, I find I'm more likely to sit with others when I only travel as far as my living room instead of getting in the car and driving 20-30 minutes away.

Am I being lazy? Maybe. But I'm actually practicing with Treeleaf whereas local sanghas remain just an idea in my head of what I "should" do. And what I'm doing now doesn't have to be what I do forever. But this is good for the now.

[lotus-of-the-mtn]

I am fortunate to live in an area where Zen sanghas are plentiful. Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco all have plenty of options. So, there's a nagging idea in my head that I should connect with a physical sangha. Yet, I find I'm more likely to sit with others when I only travel as far as my living room instead of getting in the car and driving 20-30 minutes away.

Am I being lazy? Maybe. But I'm actually practicing with Treeleaf whereas local sanghas remain just an idea in my head of what I "should" do. And what I'm doing now doesn't have to be what I do forever. But this is good for the now.

I agree. I'd even say what you're doing now is no less or better than actually showing up to a physical one-roof sangha. You're sitting with others. You're doing your practice. You're here now.

It's good you mention what you "should" do. I'm often shackled to this notion. I'm looking for more when it's all right here, when there isn't anything to have more of.

Deep bows to your practice, Todd.

Gassho
Tamber
satlah

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[Kyoshin]

Hi Tamber,
I'd check out all the other groups; that sounds like a fun time to me (but then again I'm a big nerd for religion). It could also add dimension to your Zen practice to experience a few other ways to do Buddhism. You might even find you like diamond way better than Soto Zen! (Sorry Jundo!) And you'll probably meet cool people. It's win/win! [emoji16]
Edited to actually answer the question: I'm not experienced with some of those forms of Buddhism, though I've had some interaction with Theravada and Pure Land. Both have less emphasis on meditation practice by non-monastics than Zen, and Theravada seems to be generally a bit more conservative and doctrinaire. Lay practice is more oriented to ritual, visit temples for ceremonies, blessings from the monks, and earning merit by generally being a nice generous person. It depends alot though on what strain and where they come from. Buddhism has a fun way of grasping itself onto local folk religion and practice, and can vary really widely within the same sect.
Gassho
Nick
Satlah

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[Jundo]

Many ways to cook the noodles, all the same at heart yet often very different; quite different yet just the same. Same noodles, different sauce.

Each flavor of Buddhism, of Zen, each individual group and teacher is also its own way of cooking noodles. Different recipes suit different tongues. One never knows if it is good and nutritious, or too spicy or damp or overcooked, unless one tastes.

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH

[Jishin]

I'd check out all the other groups...

I don't know. What gets you well keeps you well. Don't fix it til it's broke. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you ain't getting what you need then check the others out. Otherwise life is too short for this and that.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Jundo]

I don't know. What gets you well keeps you well. Don't fix it til it's broke. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

If you ain't getting what you need then check the others out. Otherwise life is too short for this and that.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

Yes, this is true too.

Not to mention, that only our interpretation of Buddhism at Treeleaf (specifically, my interpretation) is correct and the unique medicine for all human beings. Plus the fact that anyone who leaves here is risking eternity in Buddhist hell.

(Just kidding about that last part).

I actually do caution about our modern tendency to "spiritual shop" in the "self-help" mall, running from group to group, guru to guru, self-help book to book. We also choose from the spiritual cafeteria the things that please us, going for the fluffy desserts and leaving the vegetables. We do not go "deep" into one path before running off to others, or try to mix and match (often ending up playing football with a baseball bat).

There is a wise and middle way here.

Investigate, try, ask others with experience in a place, know one's own needs ... then pick a path and walk it.

Of course, I truly do believe that the radical "Just This" and "putting down the hunger" of Shikantaza is powerful medicine that could heal the vast vast majority of suffering human beings. I truly believe so. However, others paths are good paths too, suited to different people.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Nanrin]

I'm a Theravadin, have been for years. (Pretty much everyone in Thailand is too). Happy to answer any questions you may have.

In the US most temples are for Asian communities. They tend to be oriented towards traditional lay practice such as giving donations, chanting, participating in ceremonies. They usually operate under their home country's culture. You can always go to meditate at such temples, but there might not be others meditating with you. Depending on the monks, you can learn a lot about the Dhamma (Dharma) and practice by asking questions or going to talks. There are some traditional temples with meditation classes and talks oriented for westerners. These are very good for newcomers.

Outside of traditional temples, there are meditation centers. These usually focus on a specific lineage's meditation technique and may not have monastics (such as a Goenka center). Finally, there are groups led by pseudo-Theravadan meditation teachers who have significant practice experience, but run things similar to a teaching business. These groups vary wildly in quality, but are very appealing to many people.

Here in Thailand I go to a forest temple. I'm on good terms with the monks there. I stay in the monk's quarters and live similar to the monks for the duration of my stay (usually a couple days). It's a great chance to eliminate ordinary distractions and practice intensively.

I personally find having several teachers very beneficial. They being said, one is enough too. This community doesn't lack anything except potluck meals.

Hope this was helpful.

Maitri

SatToday

[Kyoshin]

A balance of breadth and depth is key. It's good for an aspiring guitar player to learn a little piano, but not so much that she doesn't master either instrument.

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[Sekishi]

Hi Tamber,

I agree with pretty much all that has been said here already. But I also wanted to share my experience.

I live in a very rural part of Virginia, and when I started Buddhist practice I was completely thrilled and surprised to discover that there is a small sitting group in the area. I guess I would describe it as "non-denominational Mahayana Buddhist". There are folks from Shambala, Soto Zen, and a few others. All are welcome.

Because all the regulars are from Mahayana traditions we chant the Heart Sutra, and slowly rotate through different versions (reflecting the diversity within the group). We all share a sitting practice. So there really isn't any teaching, and there has certainly never been any friction about "my Buddhism" vs. "your Buddhism".

Jundo is my teacher, and Shikantaza is my root practice. I have found lifelong friends who share in the Buddha way both "online" and "locally". I'm glad to have Tuesday night sittings with rumbly tummies and sneezes all together in a physical room and Friday night sittings with cicada in Japan.

Friends on the path are wonderful, wherever they are found.

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

[Jishin]

I'm glad to have Tuesday night sittings with rumbly tummies and sneezes all together in a physical room

IMG_0013.JPG

Not me. [emoji3]

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Jundo]

I'm a Theravadin, have been for years. (Pretty much everyone in Thailand is too). Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hi Maitri,

Just to clarify, you are also practicing and sitting Shikantaza in the manner around here, at least once a day? That is the one thing we ask when around here.

When on a football field, play football. If on a baseball field, play baseball.

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH