I have no favorite "brand" I follow the basic teachings of Buddha, The 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. I learn new things about Buddhism everyday.
Not to be a wet blanket or a nit-picker, but actually "Theravada" means "School of the Elders."
"Hinayana" is the word that translates to "Lesser Vehicle," and that is a word that Mahayanists use to describe Theravada, and one Theravadins don't generally use.
In the tradition that I follow (Tibetan) it is said that all traditions lead to enlightenment and are, therefore, not only to be studied but respected. None are to be disparaged. The Buddha stated, "Sometimes I [the Buddha] spoke of myself, sometimes of others; sometimes I presented myself, sometimes others; sometimes I showed my own actions, sometimes those of others. All my doctrines are true and none are false." (Lotus Sutra 16)
Again, in Vinaya Pitaka ii.10, the Buddha states, "Of whatsoever teachings, Gotamid, you can assure yourself thus, 'These doctrines conduce to passions, not to dispassion; to bondage, not to detachment; to increase of worldly gains, not to decrease of them; to covetousness, not to frugality; to discontent, and not contentment; to company, not solitude; to sluggishness, not energy; to delight in evil, not delight in good'--of such teachings you may with certainty affirm, Gotamid, 'This is not the Norm. This is not the Discipline. This is not the Master's Message.' But of whatsoever teachings you can assure yourself [that they are the opposite of these things that I have told you]--of such teachings you may with certainty affirm, 'This is the Norm. This is the Discipline. This is the Master's Message.'"
We are taught in the Lamrim Chenmo and its commentaries that there are four types of people who occupy the human realm. Included in these four types are three levels of seekers on The Path. These four types are: ordinary beings whose goals are limited solely to this life; special persons of small scope seeking a spiritual goal concerned with their next life; people of intermediate spiritual scope seeking personal release from Samara; persons of great spiritual scope who concentrate on achieving Buddhahood and helping sentient beings rather than helping themselves.
This is further evident in the concept of the three vehicles of Buddhism as viewed in Tibetan Buddhism: The so-called Lesser Vehicle of Hinayana (Theravada); The Greater Vehicle (Mahayana); and The Diamond Vehicle (Vajrayana which many view as a part of Mahayana). We do not view the three traditions as being separate but rather as stepping stones to be used in crossing the stream. You would not jump over a stone since that could be catastrophic; you'd fall and get all wet. In other words, how could anyone hope to assist others in obtaining freedom from Samara (which is the goal of Mahayana and Vajrayana) if he / she hasn't sought enlightenment for him- herself first (i.e., Theravada or Hinayana)? It doesn't logically follow.
Chogyam Trungpa in his book "Taming the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness" echos the words of the Buddha when he wrote that "Whether teachings are hinayana or mahayana, they all agree. The purpose of them all is to overcome ego. Whatever sutras, scriptures, or commentaries on the teachings of Buddhism you read, they should all connect with your being and be understood as ways of taming your ego."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated that each tradition ultimately leads to the same goal?enlightenment.
For me it's Theravada. My next favorite school is Zen, which is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. There are unique teachings found in all the schools that can be admirable in different ways.
For me, the three brands give me much benefit in learning Buddhism. For beginners, Theravada is very good, but if you want to learn deeper, Tibetan is wonderful in studying sonata and Bodhisatvas ways, Chanting in Mahayana make me so peaceful.
Which is your favorite brand of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, or Tibetan?
