I'm converting to Buddhism--where do I start??

Question

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I think its truly what I want to do. But where do I start???

Just so you know my backgroud--baptized Catholic, tried to force myself to get into my religion, it never happened, I discovered Buddhism, I love what its about.

ALSO- I believe in a higher being. Does that mean that I cannot be a true Buddhist?

thanks to everyone so far. Many of you are suggesting to read Buddhist literature...could you possibly give the name of the literature? thanks so much.

Someone suggested that I want to convert to Buddhism because I am convincing myself that I do but I don't know why. That doesn't make much sense to me, but I definitely know why I want to. I'm just looking for tips to apply the overwhelming information there is on Buddhism to my life. i.o.w, how to work it into my daily life in an easy way.

Answer 1

Buddhism allows for the belief in a God, and while Tibetan Buddhism focuses in on this as one source of strength (hence the prayer wheels), the other forms do not look down on those who believe in God.

Buddhism is extremely flexible. The primary things to consider are the 4 noble truths, the 8-fold path, and your practice. The practice of meditation can be a challenge to begin, but once it becomes a part of your routine, you will miss it immensely. As for reading, most books by Thich Nhat Hanh are excellent. I've found Karen Armstrong's book "Buddha" very good, and books by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Wherever you go, there you are) and Stephen Batchelor (Buddhism without Belief).

I recommend that for support, you find a Buddhist meditation center. I live in a town of about 30,000 in rural New England, and there are about 4 within 20 miles of here. I expect you can find one near you, and someone there can help you become better acquainted with the practice and philosophy.

For further resources, you can go to http://www.buddhanet.net where you can look for resources online and possibly links to organizations in your area.

Namaste.

Answer 2

You could easily be a Zen theist, Zen Buddhism doesn't really touch on God much, it's so flexible. I would recommend reading Buddhist books (Thich Naht Hanh is a good start, and Buddhism Plain and Simple), meditating regularly, and find a Buddhist temple if you can. I'm not actually sure if you can technically "convert", like with a ceremony or anything. But you don't need to to live in a Buddhist way.

Answer 3

In Buddhism, most Buddhists believed there are higher beings in other realms of this world (probably different dimension). They are reborn there because of their better Karma, but then they are still sentient being and still subjected to life and death, even though they live very long.

So to believe in a higher being is not wrong in Buddhist view, but to say a Omnipotent being created the Universe will be on the contrary to Buddhist view.

To start, try to be yourself. Never force yourself to be someone you are not. Start reading some scripture, try to find the part you do not understand or feel that there is some error and consult a teacher (probably some learned monk), lay out your viewpoint and have a good discussion with him / her. To be Buddhist is to be inquisitive and not just blind faith.

Answer 4

Buddhists are very flexible in what they believe. You will be a true Buddhist as long as you focus on this life as what's important. Good luck.

Sorry, I didn't answer the original question. I would read Buddhist literature, visit a Buddhist temple if you can. But you don't need to do those things. The main focus of Buddhism is eliminating desire so you do not suffer. Also, don't feel you need to do everything to a T. The Buddha lived 2500 years ago. Just evaluate your wants and whether they are worth it. Everytime we want something we suffer when we cannot have it.

Meditation is a very important part of Buddhism too. Buddhists tend to meditate in front of statues of Bodhisatvas (enlightened ones) that represent what they want to meditate on. For example, you could meditate on the Bodhisatva of Loving Kindness if you want to be more loving. Whatever works for you though is good. Remember religion is only a vehicle. If it's not taking you where you want to go, feel free to tweak it.

Answer 5

Buddhism and Christianity compared http://innerquest1.blogspot.com/2006/11/buddhism-in-christian-context.html

Buddha-Direct, a Buddhist email group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct/

Free books on Lamaism - Lobsang Rampa Downloads http://www.lobsangrampa.net/lobsang_rampa.html

Buddhism like most religions believes in a Supreme Being. However, Gautama Buddha confined his teachings to those principles that are immediately within the scope of our human and earthly experience – those that can be readily proven. Nevertheless, God is Real.

Answer 6

I am no buddhist, but I follow the 4 noble truths and ther eightfold path. But I am islamic and diagnose it through my religion. I am half chinese which may be the only reason I do. I respect my ancestors. But buddhism is not a religion per se, but a path to enlightment. And in case if you are nervous or weary about the losing a GOD factor, you should learn about vishnu and brahman. To the acceptance of hindus, buddha is the 9th avatar of vishnu. If you have ever heard of hare krishna, that is another avatar of vishnu. Good peoples. Trust me. Brahman is the name of thier GOD. Vishnu is a reminder defined as supreme reality. But you have to pave your own path from there. From what I know about buddhism, it can take years to reach enlightment. When you do, you shall reach a mental plain of what they call nirvana(eternal bliss). Where you shall escape samsara(karma wheel of life). Your purpose will be to serve mankind. And this may be heresy, but buddhism is a great path. I will send a link for a great buddhist that is always on here. Always says the right things.

PEACE!

Answer 7

I too was a Catholic at one stage in my life...you are not alone....

I would suggest a local Buddhist temple and speak to the Abbot there...there is a formal ceremony if you wish to formally become a member of a particular Buddhist Community...a simple and meaningful pronouncing of the 3 Jewels or 3 Refuges, I seek refuge in the Buddha...I seek refuge in the Dharma...I seek refuge in the Sangha or Buddhist Community....the Abbot can provide assistance but it isn't necessary to be so formal....

Some nice reading references I'll include here...

http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books/Ajahn_Brahm_Becoming_Enlightened.htm

http://www.What-Buddha-Taught.net/Books/Ajahn_Lee_Consciousnesses.htm

Peace from a Buddhist of the Theravada tradition

Answer 8

Before converting, you should try studying as many different religions as possible. The Dharmic ones especially -- Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. I personally like Hinduism the most, but it's not right for everyone. (:

Really, even doing researching on buddism... I don't know if there's a special way to convert.

I would recommend seeing if there are any Buddist centers around you. They should have more information for you than I would.

Answer 9

You were exposed to Buddhism in order to convince yourself to convert to it.
You should have the information. It sounds like you want to convert to Buddhism but don't know why.

Answer 10

If you still believe in a higher power, I suggest you investigate Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). It might be the best of both worlds for you.

EDIT:

There are lots of Tibetan Buddhist centers around the US. I'm sure some internet sleuthing will find one close to you.