Hello, imeg. Thank you for posting a question for me.
I am not a Buddhist, so I cannot offer any personal perspective on
this, but I've gathered a few links that I think you'll find helpful.
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WHAT ARE THE UNDERLYING TEACHINGS OF BUDDHISM?
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As is the case with the world's other great religions, Buddhism
contains many differing views. There are several types of Buddhism,
and their teachings vary considerably. Here's a concise summary of
some of the most basic precepts:
"The basic Buddhist concepts base on Four Noble Truths:
First Noble Truth - life is suffering mentally and physically in the
forms of sickness, injuries, aging, death, tiredness, anger,
loneliness, frustration, fear and anxiety, etc.
Second Noble Truth - all these suffering are caused by craving. A
self-centered person with continuous wanting from others will cause
mental unhappiness. In turn, it will cause physical exhaust and
fatigue in life.
Third Noble Truth - all sufferings can be overcome and avoided. When
one gives up endless wanting and endures problems that life evolves
without fear, hatred and anger, happiness and freedom will then be
obtained. Overcome the mentality of self-center and selfishness, one
will then spend time in meeting others needs and feels life more
fulfilled.
Fourth Noble Truth - There is a Noble Eigthfold path leading to
overcome the suffering. The Eightfold path includes Perfect
Understanding, Perfect Thought, Perfect Speech, Perfect Action,
Perfect Livelihood, Perfect Effort, Perfect Mindfulness and Perfect
Concentration."
Index-China: Buddhism
http://www.index-china.com/index-english/Buddha%20and%20Buddhaism.htm
"The author of these twelve principles is Mr. Christmas Humphreys,
founder and president of the Buddhist Society of London. They express
a common ground for all schools of Buddhism and have been approved by
the leading sects throughout the world as a basis for World Buddhism."
The Buddhist Temple of Chicago: Twelve Principles of Buddhism
http://www.budtempchi.org/12prin.html
Links to many excellent resources which will help you to understand
the different schools of thought within Buddhism may be found here:
Google Directory: What is Buddhism
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Buddhism/What_Is_Buddhism/
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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A BUDDHIST?
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You'll find lots of information by looking at the sites listed in the
Google Directory (linked above). Here are a few excerpts from some
helpful articles:
"Welcome to Discovering the Heart of Buddhism, a structured training
in Buddhism and Buddhist meditation.
Discovering the Heart of Buddhism offers a training for people who
want to explore the practice of Buddhism in a direct, authentic and
systematic way. It is aimed both at those who have read about and
practised Buddhism for some time and those who are new to it.
The training is a process of exploration, a search for truth through a
deepening understanding of your own experience using the Buddhist
approach of meditation and awareness. The aim is for you to build a
firm foundation for your spiritual life and a vision, discovered
within your own being, with which to face life and death with
confidence and joy."
Awakened Heart Sangha: Discovering the Heart of Buddhism
http://www.ahs.org.uk/dhb/introduction.asp
"In Buddhism, understanding is the most important thing and takes
time. So do not impulsively rush into it. Take your time, ask
questions, consider carefully, then make your decision. The Buddha was
concerned that people should follow his teachings as a result of
understanding and conviction.
I have done this and am convinced of its truth and that it is the path for me.
What do I do to become a Buddhist?
A person becomes a Buddhist by taking the Three Refuges, that is the
Buddha, The Dhamma or his Teachings, and The Sangha or the community
of enlightened beings."
Parami: How to become a Buddhist
http://www.parami.org/duta/buddhist.htm
"The Daily Routine of a Buddhist
1. Paying Homage to the Buddha
2. Observing the Moral Precepts
3. Doing the Act of Charity
4. Cultivating Loving Kindness
5. Striving for Propagation of Buddha's Teaching
6. Practising Mindfulness and Tranquility Meditation
7. Sharing of Merits"
Nibbana: How do I become a Buddhist?
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/buddhist.htm
"Q: When you become a Buddhist, it seems that the problem of personal
shortcomings is difficult to deal with and this perhaps can be
discouraging. How then does a person deal with what he knows to be his
own imperfections and shortcomings so that he will not be discouraged?
H.H. Karmapa: One has to understand the nature of these shortcomings
and limitations. Once we realize that our habitual patterns have
caused us problems and we have started on a path, we begin to
understand the need to transform these patterns.
In Buddhism, we talk of different methods and different techniques
that one could use in cutting through neurotic patterns and our
shortcomings. Once you are able to apply these methods and teachings,
you are able to understand the importance of their application and
sense the benefits, one has no doubt about it. Once you have
experienced the benefits you can change your patterns for good."
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra: Becoming a Buddhist, Questions and Answers
http://www.kagyu.org/buddhism/bec/becqa.html
Finally, here is a charming and light-hearted (but not irreverent)
guide to becoming a Buddhist:
SoYouWanna: So You Wanna Convert to Buddhism
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/buddhism/buddhism.html
Google search strategy:
Google Web Search: "teachings of buddhism"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22teachings+of+buddhism
Google Web Search: "become OR becoming a buddhist"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22become+OR+becoming+a+buddhist
I hope this helps. Please request clarification if anything is
unclear; I'll gladly offer further assistance before you rate my
answer.
Best wishes on your spiritual journey!
pinkfreud |
