Buddhism is an ancient religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama that teaches the concepts of the Four Noble Truths, karma and the cycle of rebirth. It is a popular and widespread religion still today and is followed by millions of people around the world. The first thing to do to become a Buddhist is to know the basic principles. This way you can decide if Buddhism is the religion for you. Afterwards, you can practice it and take part in the ancient centuries-old traditions.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Basics
Step 1. Learn basic terminology
This will make it much easier to understand what you read, as many terms may be unfamiliar to you, especially if you live in Western countries. The main ones, although not all, are:
- Arhat: a being who has attained nirvana.
- Bodhisattva: a being who is on the path of enlightenment.
- Buddha: a conscious being who has attained perfect enlightenment.
- Dharma: a complex term that generally refers to the Buddha's teachings.
- Nirvana: spiritual bliss. This is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.
- Sangha: the Buddhist community.
- Sutra: a Buddhist sacred text.
- Venerable: An orderly monk or nun, typically wears orange colored clothing.
Step 2. Learn to distinguish the different forms of Buddhism
The most popular present today are Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Although both of these schools have the same basic principles, they differ in the teachings in which they particularly focus: the Mahayana movement bases its discipline on how to become a bodhisattva, Theravada is more concerned with dharma practice, and so on.
- Keep in mind, however, that there are other schools of Buddhism, such as Zen, Pure Land (Amidism) and Esoteric Buddhism.
- Regardless of the form that interests you the most, know that the basic teachings are always the same.
- Since Buddhism is such an ancient religion, there are many complex differences between the various schools and they cannot be described in detail in this tutorial. If you are interested in learning more about the topic, do more research.
Step 3. Read several texts to learn about Siddhartha Gautama's life
You can find many books describing the life of the founder of Buddhism, even a simple online search will provide you with many sources. To give you an overview we can say that it was a prince who left his palace and his sumptuous lifestyle to seek enlightenment. Although he was not the only Buddha, he was nevertheless the historical founder of Buddhism.
Step 4. Learn about the Four Noble Truths
One of the fundamental concepts of this religion can be summarized in the teaching called "Four Noble Truths": the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. In summary, suffering exists, it has a cause and an end, and there is a way to stop it.
- This is not a negative concept, in reality it wants to express the possibility of reducing suffering through the contemplation of the Four Noble Truths.
- The Four Noble Truths want to emphasize that it is not important to pursue pleasure.
- If you feel confused about this principle, know that you are not alone; for many people it takes several years to fully grasp this teaching.
Step 5. Learn about reincarnation and nirvana
Buddhists believe that beings live multiple lives. When a being dies he returns to live in a new life and this cycle of life and death is interrupted only when he manages to reach nirvana. A being can reincarnate in the human, celestial, animal, infernal kingdom, in the asura or in the preta.
Step 6. Know karma
It is closely related to reincarnation and nirvana, because it determines where and when a being will be reborn. Karma consists of the good or bad actions of previous lives and those of the present life. A being is immediately affected by good or bad karma, from the moment of birth and for thousands of years or for the span of five lifetimes, depending on when its effects are intended to occur.
- Negative karma is the consequence of bad actions or thoughts, such as killing, stealing or lying.
- Positive karma comes from positive actions and thoughts, such as generosity, kindness, and the spread of Buddhist teachings.
- Neutral karma comes from actions that have no real effect, such as breathing or sleeping.
Part 2 of 3: Finding Refuge
Step 1. Find a temple that you feel comfortable with
Almost all major cities, even the western ones, have a Buddhist temple, but each temple belongs to a different school (such as Theravada or Zen) and each certainly offers different services, lessons and activities. The best way to get to know the temple closest to your home is to visit it and talk to a venerable or lay devotee.
- Learn about temple services and activities.
- Visit the different shrines.
- Attend some initiatives and see if you like the atmosphere.
Step 2. Join the community
Like many other religions, Buddhism also has a strong sense of community and devotees and monks will be happy to welcome you and give you any information you want to have. Attend some classes or activities and become familiar with the temple.
- Many Buddhist community members travel together to different Buddhist temples around the world. This is a fun way to get involved.
- If you feel shy or nervous at first, know that this is completely normal.
- Buddhism is a particularly widespread religion in China, India and other regions of Asia, so if you only speak Italian, the language could be an obstacle.
Step 3. Ask for information on how to find refuge in the Triple Gem
These three elements are made up of the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. When you decide to take refuge in the Triple Gem (often also called simply taking the Three Refuges), you probably have to attend a ceremony in which you vow to uphold the Five Precepts, which are not to kill, not to steal, not to engage in sexual misconduct. avoid the use of vulgar or offensive speech and do not consume alcoholic substances or substances that impair mental clarity.
- The different details of the ceremony may vary from temple to temple.
- You don't have to feel obligated to take the Three Refuges, as the most important aspect of this religion is to uphold Buddhist morality.
- If you can't take the Three Refuges for cultural reasons or can't find a temple near your home, you can still stick to and respect the Five Precepts.
- Once you have decided to take refuge in Buddhism, you are officially a Buddhist.
Part 3 of 3: Practicing Buddhism in Everyday Life
Step 1. Stay close to a Buddhist community
Attending classes in the temple where you have taken refuge is a great way to keep in touch with this community. Most temples offer yoga, meditation or various sutra lessons. Also try to spend time with friends and family who are Buddhists.
Step 2. Study this religion regularly
There are many sutras translated into your language on the internet, but you can also find others in the temple library or you can decide to buy them. Many venerable monks and devoted lay people have written explanations about various Buddhist sutras. Among the best known are: the Diamond Sutra, the Heart Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra.
- Teach others what you have learned about Buddhism once you think you master the concepts.
- There are hundreds of concepts and teachings to study, but you don't have to feel overwhelmed or forced to learn them immediately.
- Take lessons taught by a venerable or lay devotee at the temple.
Step 3. Confirm the Five Precepts
When you take refuge in the Triple Gem, you also take the vows with which you pledge to uphold the Five Precepts. The Five Precepts are as follows: (1) refrain from killing or harming living beings; (2) refrain from stealing and taking what is not freely given to us; (3) refrain from immoral sexual conduct; (4) refrain from lying, offending, gossiping and slandering; (5) refrain from taking intoxicating substances that dull the mind. Sometimes it will not be easy to follow the Five Precepts, but it is important to understand their importance in directing your life on the path of Enlightenment.
Step 4. Follow the Middle Way teaching
This is an important aspect of Buddhism, which is to lead a balanced life that is not too glitzy, but not too rigid and severe. The Middle Way is also known as the "Noble Eightfold Path" which teaches Buddhists to respect the eight elements. Make an effort to study all eight of them:
- Right view
- Right intention
- The right word
- Right action
- Right subsistence
- Right effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right concentration
Advice
- An essential aspect of Buddhism is helping others.
- Study Buddhism for a long time before taking refuge in the Triple Gem.
- Buddhism is rich in many complex philosophical texts; don't get frustrated if you have a hard time understanding them.
