Converting to Buddhism?

Question

I'm an agnostic who is in the process of seriously studying Buddhism. So far it's answering all of my questions, and, while I'm definitely not ready right now, conversion may be on the horizon at some point. So, out of curiosity, how would one go about doing that? I live in Northeast Tennessee, and, as one would expect, our area isn't diverse--religiously or otherwise. I'm stumped on this one, so any help is much appreciated.

As a note, since I already seem to have received two answers of this type, I'm not looking to Christianity (ever) or any other religion (at the moment), thanks. My question was, as it says in the title, specifically about Buddhism. I was born Christian, and, living in the South, I saw every bit of the intolerance it can cause.
I'm now agnostic as a result this and find myself the target of much ridicule and hatred from those around me, including people who said they were my friends before I made my true beliefs known. I'm looking into religions that are more accepting than Christianity because I do want something I can have faith in. I'll say it again, DO NOT give me irrelevant answers. Any more that I receive will be reported.

Answer 1

Self Realization Fellowship

Nashville meditation group
Tel : [phone]

Answer 2

Part of Buddhist practice is to be able to accept, be compassionate and be tolerant of all types of folks which includes the very people who seem to be condemning you for thinking outside of what they were raised in. The practice you might want to take on as you learn about Buddhism is to meet these opposing waves head-on but approaching it by not reacting angrily, violently, intolerantly, begrudgingly, etc. (A good starting point to read is the Dhammapada, a collection of utterances, sayings attributed to the Buddha grouped into chapters under a theme --- http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.intro.budd.html )

It's by practice (the actual 'doing') makes one so called "buddhist." If you can, a book called "The Buddhist Handbook" by John Snelling is a helpful intro book. It goes through history, the various traditions and sects and in the back of the book, a list of temples/monasteries near you.

Although you can study on your own it might be helpful to seek other practitioners. When you're ready to contact and study with a "sangha," the monastics or laypeople can help and guide you further along with your studies. There is no pressure, just come with an open heart, sincerity and a desire to help yourself and others better understand this world we live in and make a change for a better life/society.

Answer 3

Salam alaikom.. first of all i had to thank u to your care and exhibiting how faith is significant to you.. Then i had to motivate you to conform with the right course u've chosen and by no ability be fooled by way of the different sayings which say in the different case... i'm not a converter yet i'm a muslim.. i would be unable to tell now what u be attentive to and what u nonetheless might desire to understand simply by fact islam has many fields to be recognized and chanced on... regrettably I have not have been given any theory any islamic english web pages eighther... My advice is that if u think like u choose somebody to speak to and ask approximately some concerns that's solid adequate if u upload me and chat every time is acceptable... additionally there might desire to be in each united states of america specified societies u can exchange right into a member of and that they prepare u all the fundamental concerns u choose... desire that was efficient and that i would be delighted if u have any questions... whether i'm a muslim from the commencing even nevertheless i've got alluring comments for the size of my existence time u might desire to get make the main of.. Ma assalama

Answer 4

I'm an Athiest, but I like quite a bit about Buddhism.
I would imagine that there are other Buddhists living around you. Find an online site for Buddhists or put something in the local paper.

Answer 5

I'm a Buddhist. I live in central Louisiana. It is hard for me to find a place to practice to. The good news is you don't have to go to a temple to be a practicing Buddhist. There are plenty of books on line to give you the basics and you can meditate in your own home. If you get on a search engine you can find temples in your area. Good luck to you brother I hope this awns er helped you at least some.

Answer 6

I don't think you really "convert" to Buddhism like you would convert to Catholicism. It is more of a philosophy. Studying it is really all you can do. But you can study it at a central location, like an ashram or something. There are Buddhist temples and I guees you can find them on the internet. But be carefull - some of these "guru" types are actually flat out freaks.

Answer 7

I found the following on http://www.buddhanet.net .

Holston Valley Sangha

Address: Bob Jobe Road Gray TE 37615
Tradition: Ecumenical
EMail: [e-mail]
Contact: Na'yan Hamill
Notes and Events:

Meetings at the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on Bob Jobe Road, in Gray, Tennessee 37615

Northeast Tennessee area (Sullivan, Hawkins, Greene, Washington, Carter, Johnson and Unicoi counties). We are 5 years old!!!

This may give you an introductory community. There are also resources in Knoxville.

Namaste.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 8

To answer this properly you would need to state what path, branch of Buddhism that you are interested in. After the death of Shakamuni his disciples split in carrying forth his teaching so there are varying kinds of Buddhism. If you identify which Buddhism you are interested in I'm sure someone will put in in touch with members in your area.

Answer 9

Just be.

Conversion is nothing more then accepting and living by what you perceive as the best way.

Buddhism itself doesn't have any process of indoctrination. If you believe you are, then you are. You could walk into a temple, sit down, and you will be recognized as a Buddhist.

Answer 10

If you're going to be a Buddhist, you'll have to swap out agnostic for atheist and accept a series of actions (deeds, works) for eventual redemption/enlightenment.
After you make the swap, understand that no one really knows for sure about any of this other than Buddha says so.