How to become a Buddhist

How can a person become a Buddhist?

To become a real Buddhist is just to take The Triple Gem as one's guides, that is to say, if anyone puts his or her faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, he or she is regarded as a Buddhist. A basic requirement for a person to become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the Triple Gem, namely the Buddha , the Dhamma , and the Sangha.

First, a person takes refuge in the Buddha. There are levels of taking refuge in the Buddha. At one level the Buddha simply means the Buddha image which may be taken as a reminder or indicator of the historical Buddha. The Buddha at a deeper level would mean Buddhahood, the highest spiritual quality which is available to all of us, if we follow the path the Buddha has shown.

Second, a person takes refuge in the Dhamma. Dhamma also may be understood in different levels. It is often understood to mean the canonical body of the teachings of the Buddha. However, more perfoundly, it means the highest truth realised by the Buddha.

Finally, a person takes refuge in the Sangha. The Sangha could again be understood in different levels, generally it means ordained Buddhists : monks and nuns. In a deeper sense, it means the enlightened persons, ordained or lay who are spiritual guides for human beings.

So, to take refuge in the Triple Gem is to accept the qualities embodied in the Buddha, Dhamma , and Sangha and to try to develop such qualiteis within one's life.

Dhamma may be compared to a raft

Having crossed the river by a raft one need not carry it further. A man on his journey comes across a vast river. No boat goes to the other side, nor is there a bridge for crossing over. He then gathers grass, wood, branches and leaves to make a raft, and crosses the river with the help of the raft. After crossing safety, he leaves the raft at the shore and goes on his way. In just the same way, the Buddha has taught the Dhamma similar to a raft ; it is for crossing (Samsara : the Round of Rebirth) over, not for getting hold of. He who understands this should give up even good things(Dhamma); how much more should he give up evil things(Adhamma)


Loving - kindness (Metta)

Loving - kindness leads to the extinction or Anger or Hatred. The truth of this is obvious. Whoever has loving-kindness cannot have Anger or Hatred. Thus a person prone to anger is advised to cultivate Loving-kindness as often as possible. Besides abolishing Anger, Loving-kindness generates calm and peace in the mind that give it birth. A mind blessed with calm and peace is capable of achieving other successes.

The Buddhist Way of Life

To live The Buddhist Way of Life one should avoid doing evil ,
do good and purify one's own mind.

The Five Precepts

To avoid doing evil

One can avoid doing evil by the observation of The Five Precepts ;

1. To abstain from killing.
2. To abstain from stealing.
3. To abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. To abstain from false speech.
5. To abstain from intoxicants which cause carelessness.

These Five Precepts are the basic moral principles of Buddhism best known to most Buddhists. They are the "don't" moral principles of the Buddhist way of life . They are also the principles of human behaviour that promotes orderly and peaceful existence in a community.

The Five Virtues

To do good

One can do good by the practice of The Five Virtues ;

1. To develop loving - kindness and compassion to all living being.
2. To develop right means of livelihood.
3. To develop restraint of senses.
4. To develop truthful speech.
5. To develop restraint and mindfulness.

These Five Virtues are the "do" moral principles of the Buddhist way of life. If anyone practices the Five Virtues, he or she will achieve happy life.

To purify the mind

To purify the mind

Having observed the "don't and do" moral principles of the Buddhist way of life, one should purify one's own mind from defilements. Thus trying to purify one's own mind from defilements : greed, hatred and delusion step - by - step in daily life is the ideal way for all Buddhists.

Abbreviation

To conclude

To live the Buddhist Way of Life one should observe the "don't and do" moral principles. The more one can observe the above moral principles, the more happy and peaceful life one will achieve. Furthermore, trying to purify one's own mind is the ideal way for all Buddhists. Therefore, one should observe the moral principles and purify one's own mind, because one can live happily and peacefully.