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Expert: - 12/30/2009


Question
I wish know difference between Tibetan Buddhism and Nichiren Buddhism.
I know not too much about buddhism. Like level I am in entry level.
Tanks Milena  

Answer
Hi Milena,

Buddhism is usually regarded as having 3 main "traditions".  Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana (or Tibetan), although Vajrayana is from Mahayana.  So I would treat Buddhism as having two main traditions; Theravada and Mahayana.

The best approach to your question is to recommend you to surf through the net and you can read in detail the two subjects. Just google search "what is tibetan buddhism" and "what is nichiren buddhism", and go from there.

If you have problem with the wide choice facing you, then I recommend you to start with these two Wikipedia sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren_Buddhism

Very briefly here, Tibetan Buddhism is as the name indicates, Buddhism as practised by the Tibetans which is Mahayana tradition incorporating very colourful and elaborate Tibetan rites and rituals.

Nichiren Buddhism is basically Japanese Buddhism, based on the teachings of the 13th century Japanese monk Nichiren (1222–1282).  It focuses on the Lotus Sutra (in Japanese : myoho-renge-kyo) and chanting of the Mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo".

Since you are new to Buddhism, may I recommend that you read "What Buddhist Believe" by Ven. K Sri Dhammananda, my revered teacher from this site:
http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/whatbelieve.pdf

Another site that I strongly recommend is the "Mother" of all Buddhist sites:

www.buddhanet.net

Hope this helps.

Take care, and have a happy new year, 2010!

Justin Choo.  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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