Expert: Bodhicitta - 4/6/2008

Question
Please can you help me out. I have recently been reading stuff about buddhism and it makes more sense to my morals and beliefs about how I should lead my life than anything that I have ever encountered. I have been struggling with life, responsibilities, morals, personal ethics and hope for any change or future for my life - directionless.
I went to visit the Manjushri, Kadampa Meditation Centre (NKT) in Ulverston ( parents live locally there).
I have read on the internet that some people consider NKT a cult. I read about their disagreements with HH the Dali Lama and I cannot understand how this fits with tolerance of other beliefs. I realise I am ignorant, all I know is how I think I should behave towards others and how I need to learn to change my selfish behaviour. I do not want to be told rights and wrongs (I think I can work that out - anyhow if I wanted a set of rules with no freedom to think I would be happy baptistised R.C.)  I respect peoples beliefs as it can bring them inner peace. I thought I had found something that could help my journey. Now I find it confused with politics and debate between groups.  Can you please tell me why NKT is considered wrong? I know very little. I only want to listen to wise words that can make me a happier, more tolerant, more compassionate human being.

Claire

Answer
Hi Claire
Thanks for your message

I am sorry that you have been having a confused and horrible time with your
first contact with Buddhism.Buddhism is still very new to the West
and we must all proceed with caution. However the good news
is that Buddhism is here, and in many forms, the other good
news is that we are free to reject the bad and try the rest.

I do not normally respond to questions about specific Buddhist organizations on this forum. I can not know the ins and outs of
all the different groups and inter-school problems.

I can however give you some guidance which I often give to people
making their first steps into Buddhism. I think you will find
this will help you in your specific case.

The first thing I say to people is to take a lot of time finding
out about Buddhism in a general way, and find out about a range
of different styles of buddhism and buddhist groups. Do not stick
with the first one you come across.

Buddhism is a very new experience for most Westerners and there are
as wide a range of Buddhist groups as there are Christian groups.
So you must understand the general map until you find out where
you fit, and what feels wrong to you.

I think you should think in terms of a three year period
of 'general inquiry'. In that period do not fix your allegiance
to any specific type of Buddhism, but be very deliberate about
a plan to find out as much as you can. If any group tries
to rush you into affirming that you are following their
Buddhist school and not any other - then I think it is fair
to assume that you should be suspicious that something
unwholesome is going on.

Tibetan Buddhism, of which NKT and many others belong have a
specific set of teachings called Tantric or Vajrayana teachings.
These are 'sold' by some groups as being powerful methods of gaining
meditation experience. However they involve swearing allegiance
to a specific teacher or school. In a traditional context,
and in any legitimate school of Buddhism this would be something
that might have a place when you had practiced for many years
with a specific teacher and had built up confidence in them.
Also they have built a relationship with you and know
that you are ready for such teachings. However if people offer
you these teachings quickly then there is something wrong.


What you should look for at first is basic teachings on
Mahayana Buddhism, on compassion, love and how to behave.
You should also look for some genuine teachings on meditation
so you can practice daily. Try different methods and find
what works for you. Trust your inner experience. Buddhism
is all about your experience. Do not let people tell you
what is right . If it works it is good, if it doesn't then
move on.

You could find yourself a Buddhist DIrectory and find all the
different Buddhist schools available in the UK. You could phone
the Buddhist Society in London and ask for information and
recommendations. There is a national organization called the NBO
(Network of Buddhist Organizations) they have a complete list too.


My advice to you is take your time, take your time and trust
your instincts.

Feel free to send me questions on here anytime Claire. I can
not advise you on specifically where to go. But I try and be
a friend to all seekers.

Best wishes
Bodhicitta