Q&A for How to Become a Buddhist

Yes, anyone can become a Buddhist. You will need to take refuge in the Triple Gem and follow a ceremony during which you take a vow to uphold the Five Precepts (to not kill, not steal, not commit sexual misconduct, refrain from false speech and not take intoxicants that lessen your awareness). The article above details the steps you need to take. Additionally, Buddha stated that everyone can become a Buddha but this is very hard.

The core beliefs of Buddhism are reincarnation, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Trainings or Practices, The Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are Dukkha (suffering exists); Samudaya (there is a cause for suffering); Nirodha (there is an end to suffering); and Magga (to end suffering, follow the Eightfold Path). The Eightfold Path involves Panna (discernment, wisdom), Sila (virtue, morality) and Samadhi (concentration, meditation). The Five Precepts are to not kill, not steal, not commit sexual misconduct, refrain from false speech and not take intoxicants that lessen your awareness.

Ask yourself what meaning the object has for you; if there is none, and it’s just being kept out of a feeling of compulsion, then it’s not a good thing to keep. Consider what emotions the sentimental item brings out in you––and whether that emotion can be conjured up by a memory rather than an object. Are you clinging to the objects out of fear of loss, sadness or other negative emotions? These are the sorts of questions to ask yourself and if the answers make you feel obligated, overwhelmed, unhappy or unclear, then it’s a good idea to learn to let go of them. Remember, the love of the relationships and the joy of the experiences do not reside in the objects, they reside in your own memories, connections and a willingness to stay open to more experiences in life.

In some schools of thought, eating fish or chicken is permitted as a Buddhist. For example, the Theravada view provides that Buddha allowed his monks to eat pork, chicken and fish provided the monk was aware the animal was not killed on their behalf. However, other schools of thought within Buddhism consider that the vegetarian diet is implied within Buddha’s teaching and so forbid any flesh to be eaten by practicing Buddhists. So, the answer really depends on which school of Buddhism you’re examining this question through.

The Fifth Precept of a practicing Buddhist provides: Do not take intoxicants that lessen your awareness. The reason behind this is to prevent heedless acts and clouded thinking. This can be interpreted as meaning that practicing Buddhists should not drink alcohol. However, there are many Buddhists who interpret this as meaning that it’s okay to engage in "responsible drinking," "right drinking" or "mindful drinking," which means not drinking so much that you lose self control and cannot think clearly but enough to relax and reach that border state of "less ego." Such an interpretation requires that you find your own "Middle Way." If you cannot stop at this point, then it isn’t appropriate for you; or, if it simply feels wrong as part of your Buddhist practice, then don’t drink alcohol.

People who practice Buddhism are encourage to avoid "sexual misconduct," but there is no requirement for celibacy for those practicing. However, ordained Buddhist monks and nuns are expected to be celibate because it is thought that sexual desires are a form of craving (which causes suffering), and prevents the achievement of enlightenment.

Face your fear! If you want to go to a temple, there will be people to welcome you there.

Yes you can! You could read books, or search and find various alternatives to practicing the religion. You could also consider attending the temple once a month or so.

Only Buddhist monks shave their heads. Buddhism comes from your heart and the way you behave. It does not show by the way you dress or the place you live.

How often and for how long you like. However it is recommended that you have some kind of schedule for when to meditate in order to become used to it. A start might be meditation five minutes, one time every day, then maybe ten minutes, one or two times etc. to gradually increase it, but remember to do it at your own pace.

Yes, absolutely. You can learn about Buddhism by yourself from reading books, asking your Buddhist friends and meditating on Buddhist principles.

Start familiarizing yourself with the practices, to allow your new mindset to develop and to change your actions. If it's something that is making you a better person, then your family will eventually come to realize that it's the best path for you. Part of Buddhism if accepting and respecting other religions. It can also help you accept yourself so you can move forward with your path to enlightenment. You will be able to make the transition.

Yes, of course they can. Buddhists are very open minded and gay people are like any other people. The most important thing in Buddhism is to awaken your mind and emancipate yourself from desires and material property. Accepting gay people is the beginning of this awakening.

Buddhism is not a place you stay in, unless you want to become a monk or nun (which you can). Most Buddhists are just regular people who live regular lives and simply follow this religion, like Christians.

That is only a question "you" can answer, what inner peace is to one person would be different to you. Look into yoga and meditation.

You don't have to join a temple to be a Buddhist, but you can of course join a temple/community when you grow older and move from home.

Yes. Buddhism is about freeing yourself, and many Buddhists have tattoos.

Yes. Much of the Buddhist philosophy aligns with Christian teachings while also teaching acceptance for others and not limiting worldviews. There is no need to be a part of a temple or organization to practice. Religion is personal and you get to decide how you practice.

Buddhism expects you to be open-minded, even a bit skeptical about things. After all, you have been immersed in delusion for eons Even the most advanced Buddhists do not have direct knowledge of karma. Try to undo the egotism of everyday life as best you can. There are cycles within cycles. The profundity of Buddhism is not to be understood in a moment.

You can drink in moderation. However, most Buddhists don't drink at all – you need to reconcile that with your beliefs.

Absolutely! If crossing your legs is painful, try sitting in a chair or whatever posture is most comfortable for you. Some meditators kneel while supporting their weight on a special bench or a meditation cushion turned on its side. What matters most is that you focus your mind on meditation and study the Buddhist teachings.

Yes, of course. You may want to contact a local temple for assistance in your conversion.

There are some people within Buddhism who sees Buddha as a God, but the most accepted and popular opinion is that Buddha was a man, or a human.

No, most Buddhists, aside from monks and nuns, have sex. However, Buddhism teaches that you should be cautious with your sexuality. Most Buddhists don't watch porn, masturbate, or have too much sex – they don't let it become a habit.

Yes.

No. There are many different specifics with Buddhist schools, so it would be best to do your research and discover which specifics work for you. The idea in Buddhism is being able to become enlightened in the moment and accepting yourself and everything around you. Many Buddhists believe in God, but there are also many atheist Buddhists.

Consult your doctor. Take plenty of time to recover, and only do physical activity, including yoga, when you are fully recovered.

According to Buddhism, a person's worth can be measured by Seela, Samadhi, and Pragna. Seela means politeness and virtuous doings and words. Samadhi is a developed state of mind. Pragna is the amount of intelligence obtained about the world through meditation.

Sure. Anyone can use Buddhist teachings in their life if they want to - you don't have to officially become a Buddhist to do so. And you can be a Buddhist without believing in reincarnation.

It is not necessary to have a temple near by you to follow the Buddhist path. You can join online communities and read and meditate on your own.