Mahayana Buddhism?

[nok1888]

First of all Hi Im new here and hope to become an active member in the Buddhist forums.

Im interested in following Mahayana Buddhism but, everywhere I read it says you cant do this unless you have a teacher from proper lineage. Can anyone tell me if this is so because Im from a small town and theres nowhere within 150 miles of me and can afford constant retreats.

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated

[SeerObserver]

First of all Hi Im new here and hope to become an active member in the Buddhist forums.

Im interested in following Mahayana Buddhism but, everywhere I read it says you cant do this unless you have a teacher from proper lineage. Can anyone tell me if this is so because Im from a small town and theres nowhere within 150 miles of me and can afford constant retreats.

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated

Welcome to the Thai Visa Buddhism forum. Have you tried this site (link) to try and find a center? I'm not a Mahayana practitioner, but that is what is often said regarding a teacher.

However the general requirements for Buddhism are that you observe the 5-precepts and take refuge in the triple gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha). You can do this regardless of where you are and who is available to you. This is irregardless of which tradition you wish to follow.

[Brucenkhamen]

First of all Hi Im new here and hope to become an active member in the Buddhist forums.

Im interested in following Mahayana Buddhism but, everywhere I read it says you cant do this unless you have a teacher from proper lineage. Can anyone tell me if this is so because Im from a small town and theres nowhere within 150 miles of me and can afford constant retreats.

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated

Of course you can make a start without a teacher, but of course you'll need a teacher if you want to get serious to the point of becoming a monk or a nun. The emphasis on lineage is mainly for monks and nuns or lay people who wish to become teachers.

Don't worry, there's nothing to stop you from goung to retreats when you can, going to theravada retreats if they are easier to get to, and developing a "Mahayana mind" through reading and practicing at home.

[chutai]

First of all Hi Im new here and hope to become an active member in the Buddhist forums.

Im interested in following Mahayana Buddhism but, everywhere I read it says you cant do this unless you have a teacher from proper lineage. Can anyone tell me if this is so because Im from a small town and theres nowhere within 150 miles of me and can afford constant retreats.

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated

Hello my friend. I practice Mahayana in the Nichiren tradition. But I must say that pre Lotus Sutra schools of Mahayana do somewhat put too much emphasis on lineage which can lead to authoritarianism and other undesireable manifestations. There is nothing in the Lotus Sutra (or any othe Sutras to my knowledge) that states anything whatsoever concerning lineage. We all possess the Buddha nature and, therefore, have access to the ultimate teacher,i.e. the Law/Dharma/Truth.

However, having said this, it is helpful and indeed beneficial to have a mentor -by any other name - whose example we can emulate and to meet with other Buddhist practicing in the same tradition ; otherwise we become like an airoplane trying to fly with one wing missing.

I don't know exactly where you are, or where your specific interests lay. But I'm sure that there wil be those practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism in the near vicinity - although if in Thailand not necessarily English speakers.

Kind regards

[NotYetArahan]

There are some lay groups in Bangkok and Chiang Mai quite active following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh (I still struggle with the spelling). During Songkran festival there is a 5 day family retreat near Bangkok. Maybe interesting. In the near future a dependance monestary will be set up East of Bangkok. That will provide great opportunity to practise.

Edited March 28, 2009 by camerata
Spelling corrected. :-/

[nok1888]

Excellent replys thanks everyone