What are the steps one takes to convert from Christianity to Buddhism?

Question

What are the steps one takes to convert from Christianity to Buddhism?

Answer 1

First make sure you know what Buddhism is about (I'm going to assume you already know what chrisitianity is about, by the fact that you want to leave). Once you understand Buddhism, and agree with its teachings, there's no conversion. It's not a god to believe in.

Buddhism is mostly based around acceptance, knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. Don't see all too much of Buddha. One of the only respectable religions I've ever encountered.

Atheistically yours,

JM Gendron.

Answer 2

* Read the Bible if you haven't.

* Check out the FAQ in the URL listed below.  Read "Falun Gong" first online about the Buddhist belief.  For advanced reading, the "Zhuan Falun" book provides good insight about the practice in Buddhism in the section titled "Buddhist Qigong and Buddhism". Video/audio lectures are also available online.

* Compare the two religion and note the difference. Choose one and determine the reasons.

* Write down any question you have. Try to get answers from a few reliable sources. Don't ask a Christian priest a Buddhist question. Rather ask a Christian priest a Bible question. For Falun Dafa, check out the FAQ.

* Join a group in your local area for a period of time. Determine whether you can accept their thinking and activities.

Falun Gong is a unique Buddhist School, teaching an ancient practice for the body, mind, and spirit based upon the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Falun Gong consists of five sets of powerful exercises.

Falun Gong, Tibetans, other Buddhists, and Christians have been persecuted in China. The most offensive human right violation is the organ harvesting from the Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Can you kindly sign a petition to stop persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, please ?

http://cipfg.org/en/news/petition.html

Answer 3

You really can be Christian and Buddhist. Or Buddhist and anything, it is not a deity based religion.  

Answer 4

Seek refuge in the three jewels.

Find a qualified teacher.

follow the precepts

Learn the Four Noble Truths.

You may find these sites of benefit

Answer 5

Contact a Buddhist temple in your area and talk to them about Buddhism. They'll be happy to help you out.

Answer 6

You don't "convert" to Buddhism. You live your life according to Buddhist teachings and principles. You may do this with or without a spiritual guide. You may choose to attend a temple but it is not necessary to call oneself a Buddhist.

if you find a Buddhist temple and tell the monks you wish to "convert" they will try to talk you out of it. they will ask why you do not explore your own faith more fully rather than give it up for theirs. That is one of the coolest things about them. They are actually anti-conversionist! For them your karma was to be a Christian (or a Jew or a Muslim) and they don't think they have the right to interfere with that.

It's a great system to live by. Basically they boil down to this:

Walk softly upon the earth

Try to do no harm.

Leave it a little better than you found it.

Learn as much as you can on your journey.

Good luck to you on YOUR journey. I hope you find peace and happiness.

Answer 7

First of all, make sure you are being true to yourself. To do this you have to know everything there is to know about the choice you are planning to make. Read as much as you can about Buddhism, and also try to find other sources of reliable information, such as talking to Buddhists and visiting temples.

When I became a Buddhist, it was a little too hurried a decision, as I had only read one book. I don't consider it a result of that that I'm no longer a Buddhist, though. At that time, I had only found a PART of myself, and embraced it as a larger part than it truly was.

However, the practice I read about and performed was going for refuge, which is basically taking a sort of vow. I will not provide the information about it at this time, because if you are like me, you will probably just go right on ahead without being absolutely sure.

((((hugs))))

~Loving Light~

Answer 8

It seems as if there is a little confusion as to whether one can be Christian and Buddhist and whether there is a ceremony to become Buddhist. I was Christian and converted to Buddhism. There is a ceremony called Taking Refuge where one seeks refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. I agree with those who would encourage you first to do some serious researching before "taking the plunge" and becoming a Buddhist. It's a good idea even if you're just curious about Buddhism to attend some various temples or meditation centers before making a decision. In the same manner a person would not decide to become a Christian without first researching various traditions (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Dutch Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, etc.) it is the same in Buddhism since there are various traditions in Buddhism as well. The people whom you would meet would be more than happy to answer your questions. Yes, you can get a "flavor" of Buddhism through texts but I would encourage face-to-face discussions if at all possible.

As far as being both Christian and Buddhist as some contend I find that to be rather problematic. This is definitely not a popular view among many Westerners who consider themselves to be Buddhist. If a person wants to remain Christian and follow some of the meditation techniques found in Buddhism that would probably be OK. But, even though the two beliefs hold certain ideals in common there are vast differences. The Dalai Lama stated it very well: "...for the Christian practitioner, the Creator and the acceptance of the Creator as almighty, is a very important factor within that tradition in order to develop self-discipline, compassion, or forgiveness and to increase them in one's intimate relationship with God. That's something very essential. In addition, when God is seen as absolute and almighty, the concept that everything is relative becomes a little bit difficult. However, if one's understanding of God is in terms of an ultimate nature of reality or ultimate truth, then it is possible to have a kind of unified approach. ...As to one's personal religion, I think this must be based on one's own mental disposition.... Generally speaking, I think it is better to practice according to your own traditional background, and certainly you can use some of the Buddhist techniques. Without accepting rebirth theory or the complicated philosophy, simply use certain techniques to increase your power of patience and compassion, forgiveness, and things like that." (from "Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective" by H.H. the Dalai Lama, translated by Thupten Jinpa)

The Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh states a similar view in his book "Living Buddha, Living Christ": "Buddhists and Christians both like to share their wisdom and experience. Sharing in this way is important and should be encouraged. But sharing does not mean wanting to others to abandon their own spiritual roots and embrace your faith. That would be cruel. People are happy only when they are firmly rooted in their own tradition and culture….We must help them return to their tradition. Each tradition must establish dialogue with its own people first, especially with those young people who are lost and alienated…I always urged my Western friends to go back to their own traditions and rediscover the values that are there….We can enrich one another's spiritual lives, but there is no need to alienate people from their ancestors and their values."

Buddhism, in the practice that I follow and as I understand, is not like going to a Chinese restaurant where you select one from Column A and two from Column B. While there are certain concepts that a practitioner has some latitude in belief, there are other concepts that are essential to Buddhism just as there are certain concepts in Christianity that are essential to being a Christian. Some of these (such as karma and rebirth) are difficult for many Westerners to understand much less accept—yet they are essential and basic tenants in Buddhism.

Here are some sites to aid you on your journey. While most are in the Tibetan tradition I've tried to include sites of various traditions as well. Most will have a FAQ section, free text and/or audio downloads, and some even allow you to e-mail specific questions to the community.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index.htm...

http://www.ajahnchah.org/

http://www.bodhicitta.net/index.htm

http://www.bodhipath.org/teachings/bpmah...

http://www.buddhanet.net/

http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/

http://chenrezigcenter.org/index.php?opt...

http://www.cloudwater.org/index2.html

Again, my advice is to do some "leg work" and research both by reading and discussing with others. If your ultimate decision is to become Buddhist then you will have made a decision based upon studying and introspection. Likewise, if you elect not to become Buddhist the same holds true but you would have gained some interesting knowledge of a different tradition. I hope this is of some small assistance in answering your question.

May all be at peace.

John

Answer 9

buddhism isn't a fomral organization. we only call it a "religion" because that is the closest word we have.

but it isn't really the right word at all.

so find some books and a teacher, and if you want to call yourself a buddhist, go ahead.

but you might find that an important part of buddhism is rejecting labels for others, for yourself, and even for your "religion".

what does that mean?

study it for a lifetime and then maybe you will be buddhist.

but you can still be Christian too if you insist...

Answer 10

read up on Buddhism and do it

Answer 11

You don't convert to Buddhism as such because it's a system of practical philosophy rather than a religious ideology. A Buddhist is someone who adheres to the moral precepts of the Buddha. Outwith that they can believe anything they want.

Answer 12

think think READ the Bible and dont do it saying "i wont worship a stone!"

Answer 13

Various forms of Buddhism require belief in differing points.  You will have to decide WHICH form you will follow.  There isn't anything actually JUST called "Buddhism", just like christianity.  You have to choose what "spin" you will follow.

Answer 14

As many in here have mentioned, we don't convert.  It's merely examining what the Budhha taught us and used logic to either come to the same conclusions or not.

Great online source: buddhanet.net.

There are also some great books that will help you figure out which "flavor" of Buddhism appeals to you the most.  I'm into the Tibetan Gelug "stuff" but it's not the only one,

_()_

Answer 15

If Christianity was true to its source, Christianity would convert to Buddhism and you wouldn't have to do anything. More on my bio.