How can I adopt Buddhism as my religion?

Question

How can I adopt Buddhism as my religion?
What will I have to do for it? and do I need to change my name for it?

Answer 1

Become a buddhist

Answer 2

Essentially, the Buddha came up with a means of being happy. He said (more or less) try this and see if it works for you. So that's all you have to do.

For a while I considered myself a Zen Buddhist. I read books written by a teacher. I joined a meditation group. And I practiced.

I could have taken 'vows' to follow certain precepts (principles). Or gone further as a 'lay' member in the Order and get a 'name in religion'. But it wasn't obligatory.

So I think you should find out some more. Buddhism can be as 'organised' or as 'dis-organised' a religion as you like. So find a branch that interests you and talk to them. I have always found Buddhists most welcoming people.

And good luck on your journey.
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Answer 3

You can be whoever you are and still practice Buddhism. You need not change your name nor do you have to do anything 'superficial' in order to become a Buddhist. In fact, the Buddha was never a Buddhist!

Firstly, you might want to do a lot of read ups and studies in the different traditions of Buddhism, which has to do with different types of personality and how it may help you out (in terms of teachers, methods of meditation, etc.). Then you would probably need to get friends or teachers to help you out with your studies unless if you already have your own capacity to understand the scriptures/teachings of the Buddha/Dharma.

I don't know what the others are trying to tell you. I disagree with many but there are a few good points which you may want to learn from one another. Most important part of Buddhism is not about 'becoming' a Buddhist, it is about 'learning to see' what reality is, or in other words, seeing the Dharma. That is more important than any artificial labelling and so forth.

You might want to check out my reply to another similar question from my answers:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvqVczNT69TD7nQEATwPYXHty6IX?qid=20070316144440AARjDQz&show=7#profile-info-b733f6d70469e1993c15a54c325797f9aa

Or the question 'Can someone please explain to me what Buddhism is.......?'

Good luck.

Answer 4

To be a buddhism, I think you should ask that from some buddhist temple around your place.
However if you can't then just follow the buddha doctrine.

About you name, you don't have to change your name for that unless you are going to ordain, in this case a monk who gives you an ordain will find a new name in pali language for you.

and this is a website that may help you to understand in Buddhist religion a bit better.

http://www.11meditation.co.nr

hope it helps you some

Answer 5

You can go to Buddhist Center which near your area to find out more about Buddhism as a beginner, to study a basic course. When you are more ready, and will like to take Buddhism as your spiritual development, you can take Refuge (To the three Jewel-Buddha, Dharma and Sangha)from a qualify Buddhist Teacher (who usually a Ordained monk or nun), usually you will given a Refuge Name after you have take Refuge, you need not have to change your name for it, the refuge name just serve as a recognition that you have become a Buddhist, who will like to follow the path of Buddhism.

hope this help.

Answer 6

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has advised many, many times that it is best to stick within one's own tradition. He explains that it might cause confusion later otherwise, and that we should exhaust the skillful means within our own religions first.

That said, some of us have reached this point already. Having come into touch with the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha either directly through the sutras or via a teacher, we wish to know more and more.

While some advise you don't have to become "a Buddhist," it could be beneficial to make a commitment *to yourself* to follow the path.

I suggest you read the link below.... may help. Hope this is useful!

Answer 7

To be a Buddhist only means that you will vow to go to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha (teacher, scriptures, and congregation of other Buddhists) for shelter. No tattoo, no joining a protest at an abortion clinic. The act of becoming one is a single step on a path. You can do one step completely wrong and still get to where you want to go.

But get a book, it's a pretty complex topic.

Answer 8

Study Buddhism, practice Buddhism. Visiting a monestary might be enlightening. Why would you have to change your name? It constantly amazes me how people are willing to commit to a path in life without knowing even the most simple things about it, like how to become it. If you don't know even the basics like that how can you say you know enough about it to live it and be it?

Answer 9

*Faith* is all you need to adopt any Religion.

If you want to adopt Buddhism as your religious interests, learn what the Buddha taught.

Here are some good websites:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org
http://www.fpmt.org
http://www.kagyu.org

Answer 10

You have to keep faith in Lord Buddha and you have to live according to the 5 precepts.

5 Main precepts of Buddhism

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living beings.
2. I undertake the precept to refrain from stealing.
3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct (adultery, rape, child abuse, etc).
4. I undertake the precept to refrain from false speech (lying).
5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicants which lead to heedlessness.

You need not to change your name .