Practice the Dharma in their proper sequence
by Khenpo Tashi
In Buddhism, some of the higher teachings may look like they contradict the lower teachings, and vice versa.
Why do they contradict each other? Because we do not study them in their proper sequence. The practices are meant to be practiced in a proper sequence.
NO CONTRADICTIONS
When we study these teachings in their proper sequence (from level 1 to level 20, for example), we will understand that there are no contradictions between them. We will get confused if we quickly jump from one teaching to the other.
Buddhist practices, from the basic to the advanced, are practiced one by one. After practicing one practice, we proceed to the next one. If we are following the proper sequence, we will see that the next one actually incorporates the elements of the earlier one into it.
This also applies between lineages. There are different lineage practices. If we practice one from this lineage, and one from the other lineage, it is alright. But, we will normally get confused. Our progress will be much slower. It is better to follow one lineage up to the end, first, before going into another lineage.
So, in general, there is no mixing in Buddhist practices. Instead, there is practicing in their proper sequences.