Is it living the complete lifestyle, adhering to as many beliefs are possible, etc...
2007-06-22 11:44:07 · 8 answers · asked by Starlight 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You decide, for yourself, what makes you a Buddhist. You need not even believe in GOD, or any deity. Buddhism is about believing in yourself.
Many philosophies tell you that you must do good things, or you will burn in Hell. Buddhism teaches you to do good things because you want to be a better person.
There is no confirmation, indoctrination, or anything.
2007-06-23 07:09:29 · answer #1 · answered by Marvin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be best to join a good temple or Buddhist group, support them, be supported by them and continue to learn more about the Buddha's teachings. Then, when you are ready, you would formally become a Buddhist by taking the Three Refuges.
Taking Refuge in the Buddha is a confident acceptance of the fact that one can become fully enlightened and perfected just as the Buddha was. Taking Refuge in the Dhamma means understanding the Four Noble Truths and basing one's life on the Noble Eightfold Path. Taking Refuge in the Sangha means looking for support, inspiration and guidance from all who walk the Noble Eightfold Path. Doing this one becomes a Buddhist and thus takes the first step on the path towards Nirvana.
http://www.buddhanet.net/
2007-06-22 23:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by wb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought a someone who was made a Buddhist had a big tummy that we rub for luck.. jkjkjk.... Buddhism cannot be easily explained. It is almost inconceivably complex, vast, and deep. “What makes someone a Buddhist?” That is the hardest question to answer. If the person has a genuine interest, the complete answer does not make for light dinner conversation, and generalizations can lead to misunderstanding. Suppose that you give them the true answer, the answer that points to the very foundation of this 2,500-year-old tradition.
They are one of the only people that I now that do not fight.. Seriously have peaceful resolution..I wish some Christian people would follow some of his teachings.. I know I try to implement some of them into my daily life..
2007-06-22 18:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beliefs don't matter at all. In fact beliefs are an obstacle, even buddhist beliefs.
Do zazen and be yourself, then you are Buddhist. To be a Buddhist is to be nothing.
2007-06-23 12:10:58 · answer #4 · answered by Teaim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say, someone who studies Buddhism and attempts to apply its principles to their life.
2007-06-22 18:51:54 · answer #5 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try , live , experience life ,everything yourself., listen than to your inner self ,. and than make your dissuasion about things in other words DONT listen to any one else make up your own live your own and don't put any one to ''justice'' just you see it on TV or heart about it ..don't be a ''sheep''. be real.. well that's Buddha for me.. dont expect anything create your own...
2007-06-22 18:50:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say: "I am a Buddhist".
2007-06-22 18:49:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
cf: hesse, hermann, "siddhartha"
isbn: 0553208845
2007-06-22 18:49:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋