Expert: Buddhis8 - BuddhismIS.com - 9/12/2010

Question
As I begin my journey on the path of Buddhism I was wondering how or if I
should do this formally.
Should I seek a monk and follow instruction as one would in other religious
followings or can I begin this journey myself?

Is there a specific ceremony  that must be undertaken when we accept and
begin follow the Buddhist faith, How should I commence?

Your guidance and instruction would be most gratefully received.

Answer
Dear Damian,

Thank you for your question. And a good question it is indeed! 'Are there formal beginnings to Buddhism?' I can only speak of my own experience on this matter and is by no means a definitive guide to how one should begin on the path of Buddhism.

Should you begin the path formally?
You can, yes. But before deciding whether this is the right option for you, let me explain what is involved. To begin the path 'formally' you would need to find a preceptor monk (depending on tradition) who is willing to recite the 'Three Jewels' and lay precepts with you. Otherwise known as taking the vows or taking refuge in the Three Jewels - The Buddha, Dhamma (Dharma) and the Sangha. The 5 precepts are below:

1. To refrain from harming living creatures (killing).
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given (stealing).
3. To refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. To refrain from false speech.
5. To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness.

These 5 precepts are known as the layman vows.

If you genuinely want to follow the Buddhas path you can start by reciting these three lines. This is called taking refuge in the Three Jewels.

I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
I take refuge in the Sangha

The informal way is to simply recite the Three Jewels, three times by yourself, take note of the precepts and make an internal commitment to yourself. And in my opinion there is nothing wrong with that.

Ultimately it is your responsibility to follow the precepts as best you can. There is no magic here.

Hope this helps Damian

Yours in Dhamma
Shozen (James Ball)
http://www.knowbuddhism.info/2010/09/becoming-buddhist.html