Religion and spirituality are intrinsically personal attributes. Every individual is born with a specific religious bend that they get from their family and upbringing. However, after the individual gets to an age of understanding, they have the complete right to choose their own spiritual path. Buddhism has become a way of life for many urbanites who find it too hard to take the continuous stress of everyday. Craving peace, they look towards the spiritual path that offers Zen teachings and purpose to their lives. If you are on just such a crossroad in your life, looking to know the details for becoming a true Buddhist – look no further. The following tips will help shed light on this path.
Start by attuning yourself to the great “Buddha”
You want to change to a new religious and spiritual system. To walk this path, you will need to know your guide better. Siddhartha Gautama the founder of the religion was a Nepali Royal who lived more than 2600 years ago. He renounced his kingdom, wealth, and family to continue in his strife to find enlightment. Before you can understand, the principles that he laid down, you need to understand the foundation on which Buddhism stands. Read as many books, literature and scriptures you can find about the subject. You can even look towards blogs and popular websites to shed more light on this foundational research.
Formal Buddhism initiation
Buddhism does not have a too elaborate ceremony for new comers. The path is the same for all. You have to commit to the Zen precepts before you can be a part of this spiritualism. Do not dwell on perfection but it is important to practice this as much as possible. The 2 main factors that you should understand about the Buddhism way of life:
Impermanence of life – Life is draining away each minute, every day. You have to dwell on the impermanent nature of human life and reflect on the deep factor of Swift Change. You should not squander away your life. Learn to make every minute count. Understand why you were born and try to fulfill the purpose of your existence.
Concept of Sange – ‘San’ means regret and ‘Ge’ stands for resolve. No man can move forward in their lives without regretting past actions – jealousy, pride deception, or lying. You have to further resolve to not repeat these errors in your future again. True enlightment can only come when you take a true step towards improvement.
The Zukai or Precepts ceremony
You have to be practicing the Buddhist way of life and the initiation teachings for six months to a year before you can qualify for the Zukai or the precepts ceremony. The teacher will give you the 16 precepts of Bodhisattva which will herald your officially becoming a Buddhist.
Sixteen essential Bodhisattva precepts
Three treasures – Be one with the Great Buddha, Be one with Dharma, Be one with Sangha
Three Pure Precepts – Cease from evil, Do good, Do good for the others
Ten Grave Precepts – No Killing, No Stealing, No misuse of sex, No lying, No delusion of the mind, No discussion or speaking about others’ faults or errors, No elevating self or blaming on others, Non-stingy, No anger and No ill speaking about the three treasures.
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