Becoming a Buddhist

[msrellum]

What is essential to becoming a Buddhist?

[alwayson]

Understand that to say an object is "empty" is synonymous with saying that thing is dependently originated. Furthermore that bundles of causes and conditions are designated by mere conceptual labels, which of course also applies to the causes and conditions themselves and even the principle of causality itself since everything is dependently originated (i.e. empty).

[Paul]

When we wish to become Buddhists formally, the first step is to go to the Triple Gem- the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha for refuge. It is an expression of one’s faith and determination in walking the Buddha’s path. Since the time of the Buddha, taking this Threefold Refuge has identified a person as a Buddhist.

http://www.buddhanet.net/budsas/ebud/bd101/bd101_04.htm

[catmoon]

I think Paul has it right. You can leave emptiness doctrines for later, maybe quite a bit later. It's certainly not something that is normally presented to beginners. After refuge, the next thing to do is get an overview of Buddhist ethics. The Dalai Lama is a good source for this. He has also published works on establishing a practice.

[Silent Bob]

http://www.namsebangdzo.com/What_Makes_ ... /14674.htm

[ronnewmexico]

Essential...compassion. Otherwise it all, all of it, be wasted.

[tomamundsen]

Essential...compassion. Otherwise it all, all of it, be wasted.

^ This. Well, in the general case.

If you mean more literally "becoming a buddhist" then that would be what we call "taking refuge."

[Tilopa]

What is essential to becoming a Buddhist?

An understanding of the 4 Noble Truths and faith in the Triple Gem.
This is the minimum requirement.

[Vipassualty]

What is essential to becoming a Buddhist?

Meditation supported by an understanding of the Noble Eightfold Path are likely the minimum auspicious requirements. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... toend.html

[Beatzen]

in my lineage there is a ceremony, or rite of passage, called jukai - the practitioner takes on 16 precepts.

but that's not essential, i suppose. I think that learning to relate to yourself intelligently and with sensitivity is essential. as jiddu krishnamurti, who was actually quite critical of buddhism, used to say: "life is relationship."

[plwk]

For starters, this and then this...

[Distorted]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

[Acchantika]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

No, you are not breaking the third precept. For a lay person it means:

Abandoning misconduct in sexual desires, he becomes one who abstains from misconduct in sexual desires: he does not have intercourse with such women as are protected by mother, father, (father and mother), brother, sister, relatives, as have a husband, as entail a penalty, and also those that are garlanded in token of betrothal.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .nymo.html

In other words, as long as it is not illegal, she isn't married/engaged to someone else, you both consent and no other consent is required, no worries.

[Distorted]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

No, you are not breaking the third precept. For a lay person it means:

Abandoning misconduct in sexual desires, he becomes one who abstains from misconduct in sexual desires: he does not have intercourse with such women as are protected by mother, father, (father and mother), brother, sister, relatives, as have a husband, as entail a penalty, and also those that are garlanded in token of betrothal.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .nymo.html

In other words, as long as it is not illegal, she isn't married/engaged to someone else, you both consent and no other consent is required, no worries.

Thank you

[Konchog1]

The third vow does change to chastity when taking the Eight Precepts during Uposatha or retreat. The reason being that you should be practicing Buddhism, not became sex is sinful or dirty or anything like that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uposatha

[Distorted]

The third vow does change to chastity when taking the Eight Precepts during Uposatha or retreat. The reason being that you should be practicing Buddhism, not became sex is sinful or dirty or anything like that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uposatha

Thank you guys for the clarification.

[Huifeng]

What is essential to becoming a Buddhist?

Going to the three jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma and the Samgha - for refuge.
Many consider at least trying to uphold the five precepts as also part of the bare essentials.

~~ Huifeng

[Huifeng]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

Doesn't sound even close to breaking the third precept.

~~ Huifeng

[Distorted]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

Doesn't sound even close to breaking the third precept.

~~ Huifeng

Glad to hear it.

[Blue Garuda]

I would like to take refuge in the Triple gem though I do not think I can abstain from sex. My partner is supportive in the commitment to better myself for myself and others around me through the middle way. Though we already are in this relationship and sex is a part of it. Am I misunderstanding the fifth precept conditions? The third of the five precepts... do they mean sexual misconduct or sex in general? I know married buddhist couples must be having sex but she and I do not plan to be married but want to be with one another for a very long time. Is this still breaking the third precept of the five?

Doesn't sound even close to breaking the third precept.

~~ Huifeng

Glad to hear it.

I endorse that. As I understand it, the precept is there to avoid harm to others. There is no 'sin' attached to unmarried sex to worry about in Buddhism.