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the philosophy of the 'religion' has really appealed to me... im really interested in becoming a buddhist... what do i need to do?

2007-04-02 13:48:21 · 19 answers · asked by nickname 4 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

19 answers

for common people, mahayana branch of buddhism doesn't require you to undergo any sacred ritual. You only need to know what karma is, how to redeem it and how to avoid it. The purpose of buddhism is to help people live a pure life free from evil and material desires. My first advise to you is to train to be more merciful: when you see a bug in your house, please try not to think how to kill it but how to free it. When you repect life of others, you will live in harmony with everything and the next trainings will be easier for you. Buddhism cannot be mastered in 1 day, 1 night but in a long period of living a simple according to Buddha's teaching. So do not give up!

2007-04-03 06:56:44 · answer #1 · answered by holyfire 4 · 0 0

Shave your head and do the ways of the monks. C-_-D
Their disciplinary code is called the patimokkha, which is part of the larger Vinaya.
You should also have an understanding of the nature of "suffering," the fundamental cause of all suffering, the escape from suffering, and what effort a person can go to so that they themselves can "attain happiness." And also, Buddhist monks have been traditionally linked with the practise of the Chinese martial arts or Kung fu.
You should also know the Noble Eightfold Path, and these are divided into three basic categories as follows:

* Wisdom

1. Right view
2. Right intention

* Ethical conduct

3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood

* Mental discipline

6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

But the thing is do we really know what is "RIGHT" from "WRONG"?
Anyways, these are just my suggestions. They are really hard to follow.

2007-04-02 21:12:16 · answer #2 · answered by ▐▀▀☺▀▀▌ ☺ OK☺☺ ▐▄▄☺▄▄▌ 3 · 0 0

Check out this link and you can get a start on it if that's what you want to do.

http://www.greatcom.org/resources/areadydefense/

Buddhism began in India about five hundred years before the birth of Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow.

Moreover, the Hindu belief of an endless cycle of births, deaths and rebirths was viewed with dread. Consequently, the people turned to a variety of beliefs, including the worship of animals, to satisfy this spiritual vacuum. Many different sects of Hinduism arose, the most successful being that of Buddhism, which denies the authority of the vedas...cont...

2007-04-02 21:52:57 · answer #3 · answered by Martin S 7 · 1 0

What do you mean ? You do nothing. Simply keep on studying its philosophy. I am in China and I'm a Christian, but I read many Buddhism books when I was younger. It's a beautiful branch of ancient philosophy. You only need to do sth when you want to become a monk, but you said "buddhist" not "monk"??

2007-04-02 20:55:03 · answer #4 · answered by Gone 4 · 2 0

Go see a bunch of different groups. Meditate with them. See which seems to harmonize with you. Buddhism has a number of different sects. Three major religious branches are Theravaden, Tibetan, and Zen. There are a number of smaller sects from Japan.

Theravaden is a very monastic branch. Tibetan has both monastic and lay practices, as does Zen. Zen is a bit more austere, Tibetan a lot more ornate, in the philosophical arena.

2007-04-02 21:10:04 · answer #5 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 0 0

If you want to be a Buddhist, the worst thing you can do is hang out in this section with a bunch of disgruntled atheists and narrow minded Christians. Buddhism is good, Yahoo is not.

2007-04-02 20:54:09 · answer #6 · answered by Dirk Johnson 5 · 4 0

you should hook up with a local group, temple or sangha.
there are many varieties so try out a few groups to see what you like. having a teacher or mentor will be important.
start going to buddhist events, retreats etc. it's not too hard.
look on the internet for buddhism in your town
if it's not there then travel to the nearest center or facility or group.

2007-04-02 20:52:30 · answer #7 · answered by BonesofaTeacher 7 · 3 0

-Go to the library. There are many books on Buddhism there
-Take out email subscriptions to "Buddhism Connect," and "About Buddhism."
-Check your phone book to see if there are any listings for Buddhist organizations.
-Check to see if your community college has Buddhist classes.

2007-04-02 20:54:14 · answer #8 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 2 0

I suggest, first understanding what Buddhism really is. Afterwards you take a step into following their beliefs and their guidelines.

This is a good source for info, but you may have to look around.
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhaintro.html

2007-04-02 20:52:41 · answer #9 · answered by alan372092004 2 · 2 0

I am not sure how to help
but this website is a basic of Theravada Buddhist religion

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

hope it helps you a bit

2007-04-03 11:27:39 · answer #10 · answered by Jak 3 · 0 0

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