It could be what they had grown up with. Or it could be the only one they've ever really looked into. I call myself a Buddhist, but I have no serious path. I just think that Buddhism (in general) makes most sense to me.
because all ;people are different - there is no one-size-fits-all - the Buddha is alleged to have said, after all, "work out your own salvation with diligence"
The Buddha gave many different teachings to many different kinds of people. He said that, just as a doctor gives different medicines for different diseases, he taught people based on their "mind-disease."
Today there are many Buddhist traditions and hundreds, if not thousands, of great teachers. The great rivers of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana all have many streams flowing into them.
People may enter a stream for several reasons. But I think ultimately they settle into one stream because the teachings of that particular tradition resonate especially deeply -- at a "heart level."
It's the heart connection that supports us in setting down roots. For me, at least, the decision to settle into the Zen tradition did not result from a cognitive, intellectual process.
When I began practicing Buddhism nearly 30 years ago, I first studied with Vajrayana teachers. However, I never really connected with this tradition.
Then, 20 years ago, my closest friend suggested that I go on a Zen retreat with him. I knew nothing about Zen, but I went to honor our friendship. At the end of the 3-day retreat, I knew I had found a home. The forms and practice of Zen felt -- and still feel -- exactly right.
Over the last 5 years, I've also studied with teachers in the Theravada tradition and have benefited. But I've never experienced that sense of "homecoming" with Theravada that I've felt with the Zen/Mahayana tradition.
If we pay close attention to our heart, we will find a home.
It's all preference of focus. It's like studying many forms of medicine but you choose to focus in Chinese medicine, or natural medicine, or western pharmaceuticals, etc.
Mahayana is comprehensive and holistic, including the secrets school of mantras and the esoteric, zen meditation, pure land school and recitation/mindfulness of the Buddhas, scholastic practice of Sudra studies, repentance bowing and veneration of the Buddhas and Bodhisattva's. Mahayana is holistic because the goal IS TO BE BECOME A BUDDHA.
Because the goal is to become Buddha, one must be liberated eventually to full-Arhat. Then one must perfect the merits and virtues of a Buddha by practicing the Bodhisattva path, cultivating the great compassion that is infinite and universally worthy of praise to that of a Buddha.
Thusly, the Bodhisattva path includes mimicking the kindness and universal mindfulness of Bodhisattva's, and the requirement of performing the practices of compassionate liberation of living beings.
Once all the ignorance is eradicated, the bodhisattva will understand fully what it is to be a buddha and be replete with the full great compassion, wisdoms, merits, virtues, and powers of buddhas, thus becoming a buddha.
Theravada preference is to focus on a smaller goal... becoming an Arhat. This means one is more concerned with the liberation of the self first and foremost. They are not concerned about liberating other living beings as a primary requisite to enlightenment. This is therefore called "the smaller vehicle". The goal is just simply not as ambitious as the Mahayana goal. You can study Mahayana and become Arhats just like Theravada, and still continue on. You can study Theravada and become Arhat, and then choose to continue after that by practicing the Mahayana's Bodhisattva path onto Buddhahood.
Thusly, the Theravada tradition does not study or practice a lot of the Mahayana's practices that pertain to the bodhisattva path and path to buddhahood. It's their preference, so they focus on what is pertinent to their goal.
The Tibetan sect is branched off from Mahayana, but highly influenced by local customs and culture of Tibet. I've noticed them to be VERY focused on the esoteric rituals and secret school of the Mahayana (mantras). They aren't really mainstream buddhism. Theravada is a short stop along the road of Mahayana, but Tibetan buddhism rather branches off into a totally different direction and road. But some people enjoy the style Tibetan Buddhism has, so that's their pick.
IT's all preference. Just like within Mahayana, they have the 5 schools because people wanted to focus on a single practice that was their favorite. So some people like meditating, some like chanting, some like sutra study only, etc. Same thing with the traditions, people have a different preference or style or goal.
Why do people choose the Theravada, Mahayana or Theravada paths of Buddhism?
