Where can I find out more about different kinds of Buddhism?

I am trying to work on mindfulness, letting go of the past, and learning happiness. I am interested in different kinds of meditation as well. I want to know more about the different kinds of Buddhism, and what I may be drawn to.|||Over 2,500 years, the Buddha's teachings on happiness have evolved into a very diverse set of traditions and teachings. It can be very confusing to determine what's best for you.





It's a little like going into an ice cream store and ordering a flavor of ice cream. Most stores offer small tastes so you can find out what flavor you really want!





In a similar way, the best way to find out about the different kinds of Buddhism - and what might best suit you - is to visit as many Buddhist centers as you can. With just one visit, you can often tell if a center "feels" right to you. (This only works if there are some centers/temples in your community, of course!)





Here's a listing of Buddhist centers/temples worldwide:


http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/





If visiting centers isn't an option, then it's going to be quite a bit harder - sort of like reading about ice cream!





Here are a few generalization that might be useful - although, as with all generalizations, these statements mostly misrepresent each tradition.





Theravada (Insight, mindfulness, vipassana)


Focus on paying attention to the mind. Low emphasis on ritual and ceremony. Some teach that enlightenment is not possible in this lifetime. Emphasis on the (mostly male) monastic community. In the West, this tradition emphasizes lay practice and careful attention to the mind.





Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism)


Many people find this version of Buddhism to be the most "religious" tradition. Much emphasis on ceremonies and ritual activities. Chanting and meditation are emphasized, with meditations involving visualization. Very rich teachings on the nature of mind.





Mahayana (Zen, Pure Land, and others)


This is a vast and diverse tradition. Zen teaches that enlightenment is possible in this lifetime, and in this moment. Emphasis on meditation and cutting through the thought patterns that produce suffering. Pure Land focuses on chanting Amitabha Buddha's name in order to be born in the "pure land" in the next life. Many other types of teachings. What holds them together is the teaching that all beings have Buddha-Nature and can fully enlighten through actions in this lifetime. Strong emphasis on compassion and engagement with social issues.





Best wishes in your (re)search!|||Google..|||Google and wikipedia are your friends.





This site also may help:





www.buddhanet.net|||The Bible is where you will find real, true peace and happiness. As far as letting go of the past, seek out a biblical based deliverance ministry, you have some demon "oppression" going on there. Blessings!|||I'd recommend to experience the performance of the Shen Yun Perfomring Dance Company: www.divineperformingarts.org, seeing some of the Buddhist theme stories on stages in beautiful costumes and spectacular show.





In the section “Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism” of the Zhuan Falun Lecture on the web, you can find out a concise discussion about reform in Buddhism. In the section “Different Levels Have Different Laws” of the same Lecture on the web, you can find out a good discussion about Zen Buddhism.