How can I become a Buddist?

[1Josie-Jo]

Hi!
This is quite a strange and broad question I know but I'm really intrerested. What do you have to do? What are the main bits? How does it work? hehe, so random but does anyone know?

Thankyou :-)

[bobtheturkey]

sit cross legged in a wood for a long time

[druiaghtagh]

First of all, you must be really commited to it whateber religion you decide is for you, you sound as thogh this is just a whim.

[Calaid]

Hi Josie-Jo, my bf is really interested in Buddhism. When he was first thinking about it I bought him a book called "the complete idiot's guide to Buddhism". He found it very useful as a starting point. He also visited a Buddhist Centre and had a chat about meditation etc. He has read a few books and says it gives him a different way of looking at things in life and stops him getting too stressed out about every day stuff! He hasn't gone mad and shaved his head and started humming, he just seems calmer. (would need to be living with me!!) Hope this helps!

[-Zorro-]

I was gonna become a budhist but Im alright now

[1Josie-Jo]

Lol! Thanks guys! I'm not totally comitted yet thats why I want to find out more. I'd like to be calmer in life and I'm glad humming isn't compulsory hehe!

Anything else I should know?

:-)

[Calaid]

I don't think it's a matter of "commiting". I think (from what bf says) it's more about what you can take from it for yourself. He hasn't changed his lifestyle really. I was worried that he would be brainwashed, stop drinking and eat weird food!! There is no harm in reading about it. It's not like you are converting or anything.I've had a wee look at a couple of his books and it's quite interesting. I should probably take more of an interest cos I get stressed over the daftest things!

[RATTER15]

I think you need an orange robe and a pony tail, oh and you gotta shave your head, well apart from the ponytail, and I think it helps if you don't go foxhunting and things like that, I think you may have to wear those little tiny round glasses.

[Carakeel]

You might want to start here and if you find this to your liking, then put 'Buddhism UK' into Google. Find a centre that is nearest to you and contact them. They are always very helpful and do not pressure anyone into following their path. Many people like myself follow Buddhist philosophies and adopt these into our lives. Buddhism is in fact more of a philosophy than a religion. Many people are Christians and yet also Buddhists. This is acceptable in Buddhism as it is a 'way of life' rather than a religion. It has helped me through so many hard times and good times in my life and made me a very patient and balanced person, for which I am so grateful. Perhaps it will do the same for you ... research it and see.... Best wishes.

[RATTER15]

Oh and you will need to buy lots of candles!!

[Carakeel]

ooops sorry Josie-Jo, forgot link. Here it is: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.ht m

[Carakeel]

Oh Ratter, what are we going to do with you??? LOL :o) You are right about the candles though ... they help meditation, but no I have not had to shave my head and do not run around in orange robes. Most people who follow Buddhism just adopt as many of the principles as they can into their lives. It is only the monks who wear orange and shave their heads.