You are here:

Buddhists/To become a buddhist.

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/10/2011


Question
Hello, my question is...
Does one have to be a part of a temple community to be a buddhist? i have been interested in buddhism for years now and mostly learn from books. Do i have to find a temple and learn from a teacher there to be considered a buddhist?
thanks...

Answer
Hi Alpha,

Welcome to the path of contentment and inner peace.  

If you read carefully my opening sentence, then your question is already answered.  No, you don't have to find a temple and a teacher in order to be considered a Buddhist.  The term "Buddhist" is just a name, nothing more than that.  The most important "criterion" to be a true Buddhist is to practise diligently the teachings of the Buddha.  If you are already on this path of dilgent practice, then consider yourself a true Buddhist.  

Be that as it may, this does not mean that you should avoid going to a temple or finding a teacher.   By all means get yourself acquainted with temple activities and listen to talks by good Dhamma teachers there.  You will feel more "complete" when you are familiar with some of the rites and rituals and religious activities conducted in temples.  In any temple where there are active participants, you will also be able to share experiences and knowledge with devotees there.  This is also a very good learning process and you will experience the sense of spiritual belonging with people of same interest.  

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo

(You may like to take a look at the sites below:)

http://pppbp.multiply.com/
http://pppbp.multiply.com/journal/item/18/_Puchong_Buddhist_Directory_

Buddhists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.