He who has gone for refuge in the Buddha, his
Teaching and his Order, penetrates with transcendental wisdom the Four
Noble Truths - suffering,the cause of suffering, the cessation of
suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of
suffering.This indeed is the safe refuge, this is the refuge supreme.
Having gone to such a refuge, one is released from all suffering.
~ Dhammapada 190-192
| Many people, after encountering the Dhamma or the Buddhist
Teachings ask: How do I become a Buddhist? |
Once, there was a man called Upali. He was the follower of another religion and he went to the Buddha in order to argue with him and try to convert him. But after talking to the Buddha, he was so impressed that he decided to become a follower of the Buddha. The suttas record the Buddha's reply and Upali's reaction as follows:
"Make a
proper investigation first. Proper investigation is good for a
well-known person like yourself."
Now I am even more pleased and satisfied when the Lord says to me:'Make
a proper investigation first.' For if members of another religion had
secured me as a disciple they would have paraded a banner all around
the town saying: 'Upali has joined our religion.' But the Lord said to
me:'Make a proper investigation first. Proper investigation is good for
a well-known person like yourself.' "
In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and takes time. So do not impulsively rush into it. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, then make your decision. The Buddha was concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of understanding and conviction.
| I have done this and am convinced of its truth and that it is
the path for me. What do I do to become a Buddhist? |
A person becomes a Buddhist by taking the Three Refuges, that is the Buddha, The Dhamma or his Teachings, and The Sangha or the community of enlightened beings. The Buddha said:
"To take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and to see with real understanding the Four Noble Truths, ~ Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the Transcending of Suffering and the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to the transcending of suffering, This indeed is a safe refuge, it is the refuge supreme. It is the refuge whereby one is freed from all suffering."
To take refuge, it is best done with the guidance of a monk. However, if such a person is not available, one may take refuge before an image of the Buddha. Place this image, which may be a statue,a picture or even a computer graphic such that when you kneel before it, it is at the level of your head or higher. Kneel before the image and put your palms together at your chest. Compose yourself, calm your mind and bow three times to the image such that your palms and forehead touches the floor. Then recite the following formula in Pali, which is the ancient language of the scriptural texts.
This means:
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are now officially a Buddhist. But wait, the ceremony is not
complete. The Buddha recommends that all his disciples keep the minimum
of the Five Precepts. These are not rigid commandments that one is
compelled to live by. They really are more like training rules that are
taken voluntarily. They establish your virtue and protect you from harm
in this life as well as in future lives. It is the foundation for your
spiritual journey.
| Yes, I would like to take the precepts and live my life
accordingly, knowing that it is conducive for my happiness and welfare
in this life as well as in future lives. How do I take these Five Precepts? |
Again, the Five Precepts are taken by reciting in Pali while in the kneeling position.
This means:
You can listen to the above verses chanted in the traditional
styles through the following links.
You can look for Buddhist organisations in your country by following these links: Excellent resources for study of the Dhamma can be obtained on the Internet.
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