any buddhists out there????

Question

i want to convert to buddhism and i need some help. what steps do i need to take, what do i need to get, what do i need to learn...or anything else. thanks!!

Answer 1

As others have already said, you don't need to "convert" to Buddhism. That's because Buddhism has no creed or doctrine that you need to believe in order to become a Buddhist.

So how do you become a Buddhist? The easiest and most enjoyable way is to find a Buddhist center near you and begin to practice with the people there. If you're fortunate, there may be several centers near you -- in which case you'll have choices. Then you can pick the center that feels most suited to you and your life. I've posted a link below that can lead you to Buddhist groups in the United States.

Connecting with a group is important because Buddhism is really just a set of practices that we do every day -- chanting, meditation, etc. While the practices themselves are easy, it's sometimes hard to develop consistency without the support of others.

As you do these practices, your life will begin to change. Your natural compassion and wisdom will begin to emerge and your life may become more joyful. Furthermore, your life may become of benefit to those around you. This can happen without self-awareness of the change.

I don't generally encourage people to spend much time reading about Buddhism -- it's far better to actually *become* a Buddhist by practicing Buddhist practices. However, I do recommend "It's Easier Than You Think," by Sylvia Boorstein, as a complete and charming overview of the principles of Buddhism.

I hope you can find a community to support you on this journey -- it's very important! Good luck!

Answer 2

as several people have already indicated, you don't really 'convert' to buddhism...In some views Buddhism isn't really so much a religion as it is a way of life.

I have been reading about/researching buddhism for two years now. I find it fantastic!!! So congratulations to you for wanting to embark on this journey.

I have a few resources I can share with you:

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html

http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhaintro.html

http://www.budtempchi.org/12prin.html

http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?

When I first started my readings I bought a book entitled:
"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism"
It provided a pretty good foundation to expand on. It was very easy to understand.

The next books I plan to purchase are:
"Buddhism Is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs" - Steve Hagen
"Buddhism: Tools for Living Your Life" - Vajraqupta

You might also want to see if there are any buddhist temples in your area. I have yet to visit the one in my city but I plan to :) I figure it will also give a pretty good idea of what buddhism is all about.

Hope this information gets you well on your way!

Namaste

Answer 3

As Ru Qing said, welcome!
Most buddhists have a ceremony called "taking refuge" at the beginning of the path. There are the three major kinds, Tharvadin, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. If you are Vajrayana, you would take refuge with a lama. I would suggest reading Thich Naht Hanh, or maybe Pema Chodron's (Start Where You Are is good and you can find it cheap on Amazon), or Buddhism for Dummies, which is actually pretty good intro. Eventually, you will have to meet a live teacher, as you can't really get it all from books. I wish you all the best!

Answer 4

First, it's Buddhist. I'd suggest you go to a library and do some serious reading. You need to know more about the religion before you just "convert". If there's a Buddhist church / temple in your area, go there and see if they allow visitors. It's more complex than you think as there's different types of Buddhism.

Answer 5

You don't really need to 'CONVERT' to Buddhism...first I would say go to the bookstore or library and get a few books on the subject...even something along the lines of 'Buddhism for Dummies'...just to gain some insight. Once you have a good bit of knowledge you should find a teacher...depending on where you live this could either be difficult or easy...do an google search for your city name and Zen Center

Good Luck

Answer 6

Search a Buddhist monastery within you can reach.

See a monk living there and tell him you want to be a Buddhist. He will advice you.

If you can't find any monastery around, you can do the following all yourself.

I take refuge in the Buddha

I take refuge in the Dhamma

I take refuge in the Samgha

For the second time I take refuge in the Buddha

For the second time I take refuge in the Dhamma

For the second time I take refuge in the Samgha

For the third time I take refuge in the Buddha

For the third time I take refuge in the Dhamma.

For the third time I take refuge in the Samgha


The next step is

I observe the precept of abstaining from killing any living beings.
I observe the Precept of abstaining from taking wnat is not given by the owner.
I observe the precept of abstaining from committing sexual misconduct.
I observe the precept of abstaining from telling lies.
I observe the precept of abstaining from taking any intoxicant or drug that causes forgetfulness.

Now you're a Buddhist all yourself.


Well, That's it.

Now you should join a Buddhist group on-line for further questioning. Let me suggest the following groups where I'm a member for a few years.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SariputtaDhamma/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JourneyToNibbana/

If you want to read more, go for this.

Answer 7

A very walm welcome to the path towards enlightenment.

There are three main schools of teaching: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. All three schools have a common ceremony called 'seeking refuge under the Triple Gems' which you officially declare yourself as a Buddhist. The Triple Gems are the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine), and the Sangha (monks, particularly those have attained sainthood). You may also ask to take on the 5 precepts (abstain from killing, stealing, sexual mis-conduct, lying and taking intoxicants).

You will have to visit monastery and ask to undergo such ceremony. The monks or nuns would explain to your in detail. Check out monasteries nearby your place.

May you gain enlightenment soonest :)

Answer 8

you cant really "convert" to buddhism, you can however observe buddhist ideals. its not a religion per se, but rather a way of thinking.

to get your feet wet, read the Four Noble Truths and The Eight Fold Path. you can find them all over the internet, wikipedia is a good place to start. those were the original ideas the Buddha put down, then lots of different sects showed up all over the place. Zen is particularly popular among westerners, and getting a good book on Zen would be benificial (try something like the Zen Pocketbook, or Method of Zen).

basically you just need to read about different masters and their sutras if you want to have a deep understanding of Buddhsm, but its one of those things which you will ether get imediately, or it will take a very long time to understand. but most likely, it will be both ;) good luck!

Answer 9

You do not 'convert to' buddhism, unless you want to enter a nunnery or something.

...And why anyone would want to convert to a religion they so obviously know nothing about is beyond me.

If you are interested by Buddhism, there is plenty of ressource on the internet. And you can also just go to your library.

Answer 10

I think you need to investigate a religion before you decide you are going to convert. Obviously you know nothing of the Buddhist religion but yet you want to become a buddhist.
Just FYI true buddhist give up all worldly possesions and meditate several times a day. Are you ready to make that commitment?
I think you need to research this a little further before you make a decision.