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While one country may have many traditions in it, one tradition may also be practiced in many countries. Theravada is practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and is also found in Vietnam. Within Theravada countries, some follow early Buddhism - the suttas themselves - without relying on the commentaries very much, while others follow the explanations in the commentarial tradidition. Even the robes in one country or in one tradition may vary.
Similarly, Chan is practiced in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. While Chan practitioners in all these countries rely on the same sutras, the teachings and meditation style vary among them.
In Western countries, Buddhism from many different traditions and countries is present. Some groups consist primarly of Asian immigrants, and their temples are both religious and community centers where people can speak their native language, eat familiar food, and teach their children the culture of their homeland. Other groups in the West are composed mostly of Western converts. A few are mixed.
As followers of the Buddha, let's keep these variations in mind and not think that everything we hear or learn about another tradition applies to everyone in that tradition. Similarly not everything we hear about how Buddhism is practiced in a particular country applies to all traditions or temples in that country.
Indeed we are a huge and diverse Buddhist family following the same wise and compassionate Teacher, Sakyamuni Buddha. I believe our diversity is one of our strengths. It has allowed Buddhism to spread throughout the world and to benefit bilions of people on this planet.
BUDDHISM - ONE TEACHER, MANY TRADITIONS
The Dalai Lama and Thubten Chordron
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