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:
That's it, now you are a
practising Buddhist. The Three Refuges and Five Precepts can be repeated anytime
you wish, either at regular intervals or when you feel the need to do so.
Welcome to the Path. This is only the beginning and it is suggested that you
join a Buddhist community to support it and be supported by it, and to continue
to learn the Buddha's Teachings.
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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a few moments to sign my guestbook. Thank you. |
 | Created by Lee Yu Ban on Wesak, 29th May 1999. Updated 10 June, 2004 |