1. What do you think it is about Vajrayana that makes it appeal to so many Westerners?
I think that Vajrayana appeals to so many westerners due the idea that this school of Buddhism offers not only the idea that all sentient beings are capable of becoming enlightened, but offers a concentrated set of rules and guidelines (e.g. Tantras) to achieve enlightenment. These teachings offer a quicker path to becoming enlightened which is also a plus for many seeking the path. Of course these ideas may or may not have have spread so much if not for the movement of Tibetan monks to the west when China invaded Tibet, opening up this school for so many new people who were ready for some new ways of though.
2. Which of the three paths—Theravada, Mahayana, or Vajrayana, appeals most to you? Why?
Of the three paths, Mahayana appeals to me the most. This is because of its availability or approach-ability Though I would have to say that whiting Mahayana, I do lean more towards the Zen school. Zen Buddhism has always been the most appealing due to its sense of life lessons and koans which have been very eye opening in seeing things as they really are.
3. Are there practices in Vajrayana which could be beneficial to all sentient beings? If so, which ones?
Definitely. The idea of the interconnection of energy and using the body to promote well being such as, deity yoga and other tantric practices which help free a mind of suffering and fill it full of enlightenment are beneficial. Not only do they give a more tangible approach to Buddhist practices giving the practitioner a physical and mental uplifting, but can provide one with a new and better understanding of the surrounding environment and due to this interconnection.
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