Becoming a Buddhist

Becoming a Buddhist



Content
  • What you said so far is very interesting to me. How do I become a Buddhist?
  • If I have done this and I find the Buddha's teachings acceptable, what would I do then if I wanted to become a Buddhist?
  • What are the Three Refuges?
  • What changes have taken place in your life since you first took the three refuges?
  • Should Buddhists try to share the Dhamma with others?
    Q: What you said so far is very interesting to me. How do I become a Buddhist?

    A:     Once there was a man called Upali. He was impressed by the Buddha's teachings and decided to become a follower of the Buddha. But the Buddha said:

    "Make a proper investigation first.
    Proper investigation is good for a
    well-known person like yourself." 

    			MII 379
    In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and understanding takes time. So do not impulsively rush into Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions, consider carefully, and then make your decision. The Buddha was not interested in having large numbers of disciples. He was concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of a careful investigation and consideration of facts.

    Q: If I have done this and I find the Buddha's teachings acceptable, what would I do then if I wanted to become a Buddhist?

    A:     It would be best to join a good temple or Buddhist group, support them, be supported by them and continue to learn more about Buddha's teachings. Then, when you are ready, you would formally become a Buddhist by taking the Three Refuges.

    Q: What are the Three Refuges?

    A:     A refuge is a place where people go when they are distressed or when they need safety or security. There are many types of refuge. When people are unhappy, they take refuge with their friends. The Buddha said:

    To take refuge refuge in the Buddha,
    the Dhamma and the 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. 

    			Dp 189-192
    Taking refuge in the Buddha is a confident acceptance of the fact 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.

    Q: What changes have taken place in your life since you first took the three refuges?

    A:     Like countless millions of others over the last 2500 years, I have found that the Buddha's teachings have made sense out of a difficult world. They have given meaning to what was meaningless life. They have given me a humane and compassionate ethics with which to lead my life and they have shown me how I can attain a state of purity and perfection in the next life. A poet in ancient India once wrote of the Buddha:

    To go to him for refuge, to sing his praise,
    to do him honour and to abide in his Dhamma
    is to act with understanding.

    I agree with these words completely.

    Q: Should Buddhists try to share the Dhamma with others?

    A:     Yes, they should. If people ask you about Buddhism, tell them. You can even tell them about the Buddha's teachings without their asking. But if, by either their words or their actions, they let you know that they are not interested, accept that and respect their wishes. It is also important to remember that you let people know about the Dhamma far more effectively through your actions than through preaching to them. Show people the Dhamma by always being considerate, kind, tolerant, upright and honest. Let the Dhamma shine forth through your speech and actions. If each of us, you and I, know the Dhamma thoroughly, practise it fully and share it generously with others, we can be of great benefit to ourselves and others also.