Buddhism is an ancient religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama with his teachings on concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, karma, and the cycle of rebirth. Buddhism is still a popular religion today, with millions of followers worldwide. The first step to becoming a Buddhist is to understand the basic beliefs of Buddhism itself, as this will help you decide whether you want to embrace Buddhism. Then you can practice the teachings of Buddhism and take part in a centuries-old tradition.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Basic Concepts of Buddhism
Step 1. Learn basic Buddhist terminology
This will make it easier for you to understand everything you are about to read, as many Buddhist terms are foreign, especially to Westerners. The basic terms of Buddhism include but are not limited to the following words:
- Arhat: beings who have attained nirvana
- Bodhisattvas: beings on the way to enlightenment
- Buddha: a being who has been “awakened” and has attained complete enlightenment
- Dharma: a complex term that usually refers to the teachings of Buddha
- Nirvana: spiritual bliss (nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism)
- Sangha: Buddhist community
- Sutras: Buddhist scriptures
- Venerable: an ordained monk or nun, usually wearing an orange robe
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the various schools of Buddhism
There are two main schools of Buddhism that are well known today, namely Teraveda and Mahayana. While both share the same basic beliefs, there is a difference in the focus of teaching in each: Mahayana focuses heavily on how to become a bodhisattva, while Teraveda focuses on practicing the dharma, and other differences.
- There are many other schools of Buddhism, such as Zen, Pure Land, and Esoteric Buddhism.
- Whichever school you are interested in, the basic teaching of Buddhism is the same.
- Since Buddhism is an ancient religion, there are many complex differences among all its schools, which cannot be discussed in detail in this article. Take the time to study Buddhism so you can find out more.
Step 3. Read about the life of Siddhartha Gautama
There are many books about the founder of Buddhism, and you can also find many articles about his life through a simple online search. Siddhartha Gautama was a prince who left the palace and his luxurious lifestyle in search of enlightenment. Although he is not the only Buddha in existence, he is a legendary figure who founded Buddhism.
Step 4. Learn the Four Noble Truths
One of the most fundamental concepts in Buddhism lies in the conclusion of the teaching called the Four Noble Truths: the truth about suffering, the truth about the cause of suffering, the truth about the end of suffering, and the truth about the way leading to the end of suffering. In other words, suffering exists, suffering has a cause and an end, and there is a way to end suffering.
Step 5. Learn about reincarnation and nirvana
Buddhists believe that living beings can live many times. When a living being dies, he will be reborn in a new life, and this cycle of life and death will stop once he attains nirvana. A being can be reborn as a human, a celestial being, an animal, a hell being, an asura, or a hungry ghost.
Step 6. Understand about karma
Karma is closely related to reincarnation and nirvana, as it determines where and when a being will be reborn. Karma consists of the good and bad actions of the previous life and the present life. Good or bad karma can have an effect on the being's being, either directly, a thousand years from now, or five times his lifetime, depending on when the impact will occur.
- Negative karma results from unwholesome actions or thoughts, such as killing, stealing, or lying.
- Positive karma is generated from good actions or thoughts, such as generosity, kindness, and spreading the teachings of Buddhism.
- Neutral karma results from actions that have no real impact, such as breathing or sleeping.
Part 2 of 3: Obtaining Spiritual Shade
Step 1. Find a temple you feel comfortable joining
Many large cities have Buddhist monasteries, but each has a different school (for example, Teraveda or Zen), and different worship, classes and activities. The best way to learn about the monasteries in your area is to visit them and talk to a venerable or full-time minister there.
- Ask about the worship and activities offered by the temple.
- Explore several different temples.
- Attend some worship meetings and see if you like the atmosphere.
Step 2. Be part of an existing community
Like most religions, Buddhism has an important power in the form of community, and full-time ministers and monks will welcome you and provide information. Start attending classes and make new friends at your temple.
- Many Buddhist communities will travel together to different Buddhist temples around the world. This is a fun way to get involved.
- If you feel shy or nervous the first time you attend, this is normal.
- Buddhism is a well-known religion in many countries, such as Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Korea, Sri Lanka, China, etc.
Step 3. Ask about the spiritual shade in the “Triple Gem”
The “Triple Gem” consists of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. When you get spiritual shelter from the “Triple Gem”, you will usually be invited to take part in a special ceremony to make a promise/vow to uphold the Five Teachings, namely not to kill, not to steal, not to have inappropriate sexual relations, to refrain from saying lies, and abstain from intoxicating drinks.
- The specific aspects of this ceremony differ in each temple.
- Don't feel obligated to seek spiritual shelter, for upholding Buddhist morality is the most important part of this religion.
- If you can't get spiritual shelter for cultural reasons, or if you can't find a local temple, you can still uphold the Five Teachings in your daily life.
- If you have received spiritual shelter in Buddhism, this means that you are officially a Buddhist.
Part 3 of 3: Practicing Buddhism in Daily Life
Step 1. Stay in touch with the Buddhist community
Attending classes held at a temple that provides you with spiritual shelter is a great way to stay in touch with the Buddhist community. Most monasteries offer different yoga, meditation, or sutra lessons. Spend time with friends and family members who are Buddhists too.
Step 2. Study Buddhism regularly
Many translated scriptures are available on the internet, your temple may have a library, or you can purchase a collection of scriptures. There are many venerable monks and full-time ministers of Buddhism who have written explanations of Buddhist sutras. Many of the most famous Buddhist scriptures, including the “Diamond Sutra”, “The Heart Sutra”, and the “Sutra of Absolutely Perfect Wisdom”.
- Teach others what you learned about Buddhism once you have mastered a certain concept.
- There are hundreds of Buddhist concepts and teachings to learn, but don't feel overwhelmed or pressured to learn them all at once.
- Attend classes taught by a venerable or full-time minister at your temple.
Step 3. Uphold the Five Teachings
When you get spiritual shelter from the “Triple Gem”, you make a vow to uphold the Five Teachings. However, sometimes it is difficult to run it. Do your best not to kill any living being, always be honest, don't drink intoxicating drinks, don't steal, and don't engage in inappropriate sexual relations. If you violate this teaching, just repent, and do your best to return to upholding this teaching.
Step 4. Do the Middle Way
This is an important part of Buddhism that is needed by its adherents to have a balanced life that is neither too luxurious nor too strict. The Middle Way is also known as the “Eight Noble Paths”, which teaches Buddhists to live in the eight “paths”. Take the time to learn these eight paths:
- Right view
- true meaning
- Right words
- Right action
- True life
- Right effort
- Right thinking
- Correct concentration
Tips
- Helping others is an important part of Buddhism.
- Spend a lot of time studying Buddhism before getting spiritual shelter in the “Triple Gem”.
- Buddhism has a lot of complex philosophical writings, so don't be frustrated if you get confused at first.
- Listen to Buddhist lectures on YouTube.
