Buddhism question : I have been studying both Mahayana and Theravada, and wondering,

There are aspects of the Theravada tradition that I like, and there are aspects of the Mahayna tradition that I like. I don't go to sang ha,so I suppose in the greater scheme of things, it doesn't really matter. But, as a Buddhist, is it looked down upon to align with one tradition, but accept some of the tenets of the other one?

I like many of the teachings and teachers of the Theravada tradition, but I also like some of the primary Bodhisattva's from the Mahayana tradition - Kuan Yin in particular. Is there a place for people like me in traditional or contemporary Buddhism?

Thanks to all genuine answerer's : )

no, you don't have to choose one. just do what feels right to you. don't feel like you need to identify with one particular group.

This is a question only your heart can answer.

Personally, I practice my Buddhism in the simplest manner as I do all religious, spiritual and life practices. It is not usually well received by those of traditional preference from every group I encounter. However, my spirituality, practice and daily existence is mine to uphold, honor and exude. No one else can do that for me. It is for this reason that I choose to continue in this manner. In spite of renouncement of others.

You must follow your heart, not your head or the advice of others. Practice as you know best serves you, your heart and your soul.

This is all that is required.

Blessings

True Buddhism is the way to go. Zen is closed.
But really, why need to label yourself?
"A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker."
-Buddha

I'd recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching also.

Some Buddhist teachers discourage the approach you're suggesting, while others encourage a wider view. (Buddhism has fundamentalists and liberals, just like other spiritual traditions.)

In my experience over the last 20 years, it really doesn't matter too much what people believe.

This is because beliefs, which arise from like and dislike, don't really transform people's lives.

One can believe fervently in Kuan Yin and remain completely lost in anger, desire, and ignorance. Similarly, one can fully believe in the wisdom of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, but continue to act in ways that produce suffering.

The Buddha, and all subsequent teachers of all traditions, consistently taught that the only thing that will transform our life is practice.

Without a steady and sincere practice (which can include meditation, chanting, and other techniques), our lives will never really change. We might experience a "good feeling" from having some noble beliefs, but unless we actually *do* something we'll remain the same confused, enraged and hungry person we've always been.

And there's the rub, because specific practice techniques are taught by teachers trained in a specific tradition. So, to practice is to practice within one tradition. Of course, you can learn the many practices of the many various traditions - but this approach is like drilling many shallow wells in order to find water.

In my experience, most people benefit from settling into one practice tradition and drilling deeply into that tradition. For most of us, this is the only way to penetrate our karmic hindrances.

Oddly enough, most of the people I know who have really penetrated deeply into their practice also have a broad knowledge and acceptance of most Buddhist traditions. Although I practice in the Zen tradition (Mahayana), I've read widely in the Pali Canon and have friends in the Tibetan and Vipassana traditions. But when I sit in meditation, I sit in Zen meditation. Very simple.

Best wishes on your path!