Expert: Justin Choo - 6/5/2005

Question
Hello,
I'm not a Buddhist, but I need some information.  Does Buddhism have an equivalent to Christianity's rite of baptism or christening?
Thank you,
Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry,

Thank you for asking me.

Before answering your question, a little bit of what Buddhism is, will clarify your question.  The Buddha's teachings are about universal truths and about how to understand the true nature of this world and this life.  With this understanding, one will be able to live in peace with oneself, with others and with the world.  The Buddha was not interested in converting people to his "religion".  He found something that he knew will benefit others and he wanted to share this knowledge with anyone who cared to listen and learn.  In the ultimate analysis, people want peace and happiness.  If anyone cares to follow the Buddha's advise he will experience peace and happiness.

The Buddha did not invent dogmas and commandments for people to follow blindly with fear.  He gave freedom of choice to all.  If one is interested to follow his teachings, then one will make effort to practise his teachings.  With practice, comes positive results, and this in turn reinforces one's commitment to improve further.  

The traditional "ritual" of a Buddhist for affirming his commitment as a devout Buddhist is the recitation of certain commitments which he upholds.  First he pays homage to the Buddha as a mark of great respect for a great teacher. Then he takes refuge in the Buddha, his teachings, and the community of monks, which means that these 3 "guide posts" will provide protection to the follower.  He then recites his commitment to keep his 5 precepts.  As diligent Buddhists we use certain precepts to guide our lives. These are the 5 precepts: to refrain from killing, to refrain from stealing, to refrain from committing sexual misconduct, to refrain from telling lies, and to refrain from taking intoxicating substances.


As you can see by now there is no such thing as "baptism" in Buddhism.  Very frankly, do you really think that anyone can "change" or "convert" others by just sprinkling some "holy" water? Or by immersing them in water for that matter?

Buddhist teachings are like air. They are free, and non discriminating. If one thinks it benefits oneself, then one will breathe the air. If one chooses otherwise, then it's up to oneself.  This is the "religion" of Buddhism....Truth, Peace, Harmlessness, and Freedom.

Smile from justinchoo :-)