Question asked by Punna
Hello Pastors!
I have one questions:
I'm an Tibetan Buddhist practices and I have been practices Guru Yoga Migtsema and Dorje Shugden as my main practices for long time.
Unfortunately, It neither any Gelugpa monasteries, group practices in my country nor even one Tibetan Monasteries.
But next to my home, we have one Theravada Temple and after I done my main practices such as Guru Yoga Migtsema and Dorje Shugden in the morning that I used to go there in the night for one pali chanting with Sangha and everyone there.
Is it Ok for me?
I don't have any though about mix traditions and I'm still very strong faith and devote to Lord Tsongkhapa, Dorje Shugden with Our holy Lamas from Gelugpa Lineages and do my daily practices.
It's just simple that I want to collect merits from Dharma activities by the Theravada Sangha here.
Thank you so much.
Dear Punna,
When we have a chosen a particular tradition to practice, we should go all the way with it. Whichever that tradition is, we should keep and practice it strongly. If we mix the teachings with other traditions then we will get confused on how to practice properly, etc.
In regards to you visiting the Theravada temple, of course you can visit. You should make offerings the holy Sangha there, that would be very good. No matter which tradition they are, they are Sangha. We should respect all traditions.
In regards to their activities, if it is prayers, pujas, etc. then it is okay to attend their activities, as long as you are clear that you are attending to generate merits, etc. In regards to attending teachings, etc, if you have chosen the Gelug tradition to practice it is better not to attend as you will end up getting confused in your own practice. But by all means, you can support their giving of teachings, by giving sponsorship, or in whatever way that they need help, etc. This would be very good as you are helping the spread of the Dharma for those pracitsing that tradition.
However, you should also inform them that you are practising the Tibetan tradition, so that they are aware. I hope this helps. Thank you.