Middle ground.

[Demarous]

I'm not that clued up on this, hence asking.
Is it possible for a lay follower to support both Theravada and Mahayana?
Would it be frowned upon by either of the traditions?

Metta,
Demarous.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Demarous,

I think it's definitely possible to learn from the two traditions and practice elements simultaneously... but I think it's not possible to be both on account of the different end goals. Practice must be done with the end in mind. Also, unless you have a solid founding in one before investigating the other, you're bound to get incredibly confused!

If you mean support in the sense of donations, offering etc. then of course that would be OK. I'm Theravadin but I drop a coin in the donation box at the local Mahayana centre when I go there at lunchtimes to meditate.

Metta,
Retro.

[Demarous]

This is what i am finding, i have i think the majority of my foundation in theravada but some aspects of it and its end goal of total dissattachment, as a family man, concern me a little, but the Mahayana teachings are quite different from what i can see and are very confusing!

I think i am definately Theravada, but as you say, supportive of both types, i think its very important to help the continuation of teaching Buddhism, whichever school or tradition.

Metta,
Demarous.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

It would probably be worth revisiting exactly what you think "dissattachment" is and what it entails... but that may be done over at the other forum.

Metta,
Retro.

[Demarous]

Good plan Retro.

Metta,
Demarous.

[sraddha]

I generally support both schools.