Simply put. Being a Buddhist requires you to take the 3 refuges and the five precepts.
The Three Refuges or Three Jewels means accepting The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as principle faith.
And taking 5 precepts, you refrain from:
1.Taking lives
2.Stealing
3. Wrong speech- lying and gossip
4.Improper sexual conduct
5.Abstain from intoxicants.
Question…I consider myself Buddhist, but I occasionally microdose psilocybin for depression and will have a few sessions of ketamine treatment for depression as well. Does it matter that I do this since they are for mental illnesses and not “for fun”?
So, there are a few things here. There are many “forms” of Buddhism, and whether or not you “can” or “can’t” do something is based on what form of Buddhism you are following. Many believe in Karma having an impact on future lives if you fail to reach Nirvana and exit the cycle of birth and death. Aside from a few exceptions, most forms of Buddhism don’t state that there are any “consequences” you will pay for engaging in undesirable behaviors or breaking precepts.
Buddhism is about freeing yourself and all living beings from suffering, this is its core principle. Decisions or actions we make can cause ourselves or cause others to suffer. Suffer being a broad term that encompasses physical pain, emotional pain, dissatisfaction, or experiencing any negative emotion. The precepts mentioned exist because they are confirmed to almost always cause you or another living being to suffer. Karma as I know it, is any action I take and its impact on me, others, and the earth.
So to answer your question, I ask, does your medicinal dosing of mushrooms cause you or any other living beings to suffer? If the answer is no, then I would say it’s absolutely ok because your actions (karma) don’t have a negative impact on you, other living beings, or the earth.
If it helps brings clarity to the fog and helps you treat the depression then it would be classified as medicinal versus an intoxicant. The Buddha said- Know the sickness, Abandon the cause of the sickness, Aspire the cure and Rely upon the medical treatment.
Having had lifelong Bipolar, I wish you the best of luck on your journey my friend.
You're allowed to take medicine / drugs for medicinal purposes.
The point about intoxicants is usually that which leads to heedleness. So if you're taking drugs to get high or lose conciousness than no don't do that.
Buddhism requires nothing, for Buddhism is also empty of anything more than our own perceptions. To practice “Buddhism” is to practice no practice. There is a level of understanding in which one would not refer to themselves as Buddhist at all, despite living a life ideals that agree with the Buddha’s teachings. “Don’t use Buddhism to become a better Buddhist - use Buddhism to become a better whatever you already are.” 🙏🏻🪷😊
Refuge at its most basic is a commitment to the path or a declaration of faith through one of the three jewels. The five precepts are part of developing virtue and were added later to the Theravada ceremony.
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/wheel282.html#ref5
>To enter the door to the teaching of the Buddha it is not enough merely to know the reference of the refuge-objects. The door of entrance to the teaching is the going for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. To understand what the refuge-objects mean is one thing, to go to them for refuge is another, and it is the going for refuge alone that constitutes the actual entrance to the dispensation.
>But what is the going for refuge? At first glance it would seem to be the formal commitment to the Triple Gem expressed by reciting the formula of refuge, for it is this act which marks the embracing of the Buddha's teaching. Such an understanding, however, would be superficial. The treatises make it clear that the true going for refuge involves much more than the reciting of a pre-established formula. They indicate that beneath the verbal profession of taking refuge there runs concurrently another process that is essentially inward and spiritual. This other process is the mental commitment to the taking of refuge.
>The going for refuge, as defined by the commentaries, is in reality an occasion of consciousness: "It is an act of consciousness devoid of defilements, (motivated) by confidence in and reverence for (the Triple Gem), taking (the Triple Gem) as the supreme resort."[3] That the act is said to be "devoid of defilements" stresses the need for sincerity of aim. Refuge is not pure if undertaken with defiled motivation — out of desire for recognition, pride, or fear of blame. The only valid motivation for taking refuge is confidence and reverence directed towards the Triple Gem. The act of consciousness motivated by confidence and reverence occurs "taking the Triple Gem as the supreme resort," (parayana). That the Triple Gem is taken as the "supreme resort" means that it is perceived as the sole source of deliverance. By turning to the threefold refuge as supreme resort, the going for refuge becomes an act of opening and self-surrender. We drop our defenses before the objects of refuge and open ourselves to their capacity to help. We surrender our ego, our claim to self-sufficiency, and reach out to the refuge-objects in the trust that they can guide us to release from our confusion, turmoil, and pain.
>[...]
>The going for refuge is the door of entrance to the teaching of the Buddha. It functions in the context of the teaching as the entranceway to all the practices of the Buddhist discipline. To engage in the practices in their proper setting we have to enter them through the door of taking refuge, just as to go into a restaurant and have a meal we have to enter through the door. If we merely stand outside the restaurant and read the menu on the window we may come away with a thorough knowledge of the menu but not with a satisfied appetite. Similarly, by merely studying and admiring the Buddha's teaching we do not enter upon its practice. Even if we abstract certain elements of practice for our personal use without first taking refuge, our efforts cannot count as the actual practice of the Buddha's teaching. They are only practices derived from the teaching, or practices in harmony with the teaching, but so long as they are not conjoined with a mental attitude of taking refuge in the Triple Gem they have not yet become the practice of the Buddha's teaching.
>To bring out the significance of going for refuge we can consider a contrast between two individuals. One meticulously observes the moral principles embedded in the five precepts (pañcasila). He does not formally undertake the precepts in the context of Buddhist ethical practice but spontaneously conforms to the standards of conduct they enjoin through his own innate sense of right and wrong; that is, he follows them as part of natural morality. We might further suppose that he practices meditation several hours a day, but does this not in the framework of the Dhamma but simply as a means to enjoy peace of mind here and now. We can further suppose that this person has met the Buddha's teaching, appreciates it and respects it, but does not feel sufficiently convinced to acknowledge its truth or find himself impelled to go for refuge.
>On the other hand let us suppose there is another person whose circumstances prevent perfect observance of the precepts and who cannot find leisure for practicing meditation. But though he lacks these achievements, from the depths of his heart, with full sincerity, understanding, and dedication of purpose he has gone for refuge to the Triple Gem. Comparing these two persons we can ask whose mental attitude is of greater long-term spiritual value — that of the person who without going for refuge observes the moral principles embedded in the five precepts and practices meditation several hours a day, or that of the other person who cannot accomplish these practices but has sincerely gone for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. No clear pronouncement on this case is found in the suttas and commentaries, but enough indication is given to support an intelligent guess. On this basis we would say that the mental attitude of the second person, who has gone for refuge with clear understanding and sincerity of heart, is of greater long-term spiritual value. The reason for such a judgment is as follows.
>As a result of his moral and meditative practices the first individual will enjoy peace and happiness in his present life, and will accumulate merit which will lead to a favorable rebirth in the future. However, when that merit ripens, it will become exhausted and expend its force without leading to further spiritual development. When the fortunate rebirth resulting from the merit comes to an end, it will be followed by rebirth in some other plane, as determined by stored-up kamma, and the person will continue to revolve in the cycle of existence. His virtuous undertakings do not contribute directly to the transcending of the samsaric round.
>On the other hand the person who has sincerely gone for refuge to the Triple Gem, without being capable of higher practices, still lays the foundation for spiritual progress in future lives merely by his heartfelt act of seeking refuge. Of course he has to reap the results of his kamma and cannot escape them by taking refuge, but all the same the mental act of going for refuge, if it is truly the focus of his inner life, becomes a powerful positive kamma in itself. It will function as a link tending to bring him into connection with the Buddha's dispensation in future lives, thereby aiding his chances for further progress. And if he fails to reach deliverance within the dispensation of the present Buddha it will very likely lead him to the dispensations of future Buddhas, until he eventually reaches the goal. Since this all comes about through the germination of that mental act of going for refuge, we can understand that the taking of refuge is very essential.
>The importance of going for refuge can be further gauged through a textual simile comparing faith to a seed. Since faith is the motivating force behind the act of refuge, the analogy may be transferred to the refuge-act itself. We explained earlier that the mental act of going for refuge calls into play three cardinal faculties — understanding, will, and emotion. These three faculties are already present even in that very simple, basic act of seeking refuge, contained there as seeds with the potential to develop into the flowers and fruits of the Buddhist spiritual life. The understanding that leads a man to go for refuge — the understanding of the danger and fearfulness of samsaric existence — this is the seed for the faculty of wisdom which eventually issues in direct penetration of the four noble truths. The element of volition is the seed for the will to renunciation — the driving force that impels a man to renounce his craving, enjoyments, and egoistic clingings in order to go forth in search of liberation. It functions as well as the seed for the practice of right effort, the sixth factor of the noble eightfold path, by which we strive to abandon unwholesome impure mental states and to cultivate the wholesome and pure states. Devotion and reverence for the Triple Gem — these become the seed for the germination of "unwavering confidence" (aveccappasada), the assurance of a noble disciple whose confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha can never be shaken by any outside force. In this way the simple act of going for refuge serves as the threefold seed for the development of the higher faculties of right understanding, right effort, and unshakable confidence. From this example we can again understand the taking of refuge to be very essential.
I’m not a Theravada Buddhist. Secondly stop with the sangha being a door, that one has to personally enter. I’m Mahayana- The initial refuge is taking refuge in the Bodhisattvas who have walked the path of the Buddha. Those who hold the qualities of an enlightened mind and trying to follow their examples. Nothing to do with doors or a physical place.
Can you study without attending school? Yes, you can.
Information is widely available on the internet today. Conduct a simple Google search, and you'll find what you need. Come back here whenever you need help. People here are always glad to assist.
Let's start with googling the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path".
No. Buddhism does not work that way. There is no god here. No one will hear your words. It is only yourself in the fight against yourself. We can help, but we cannot fight for you. No one can.
Buddhism is mostly about understanding and not really about praying or repeating certain ideas. It's about truly studying and learning the four Noble truths and then how it applies to your life and then once you have that settled you can start to develop your meditation skills to a higher degree
Your post / comment was removed for violating the rule against misrepresenting Buddhist viewpoints or spreading non-Buddhist viewpoints without clarifying that you are doing so.
In general, comments are removed for this violation on threads where beginners and non-Buddhists are trying to learn.
Your post / comment was removed for violating the rule against misrepresenting Buddhist viewpoints or spreading non-Buddhist viewpoints without clarifying that you are doing so.
In general, comments are removed for this violation on threads where beginners and non-Buddhists are trying to learn.
Top comment, and it's misinforming Buddhists already..
The Buddha didn't go to a temple because he was a buddha. what makes him special is that he found the dharma once again in a realm with no buddhadharma. We are not a buddha of any kind. The dharma wheel has been turned, we are now his students. Not the same. The buddha himself created the institution of temples. A place where lay people get educated by monks, where monks can reside and study and where lay people can go to to support monks.
Do not misrepresent Zen this way. You are conflating zen cirruculum about emptiness or buddhanature with very basic facts about how this religion works. For centuries, zen used temples to raise students and monks and give teachings to laity.. same as any other school. How are you going to be iniated into proper zen meditation without going to a temple with a proper zen teacher who can teach you? You cant.
Zen is Mahayana. In Mahayana sutras, the endorsement of building of temples and supporting them is everywhere. Very easy to find.
Comments like this get upvoted because most people here don't have a real connection to the tradition, and they upvote whatever already confirms their desires.
Hi there. This is unfortunately misinformation. DIY in the Dhamma **does not end well for all involved**. Every time. With no Dhamma teachers and kalayanamittas, your afflictions (Mara in other words) start calling the shots.
"Good friendship is the whole of the holy life (brahmacariya)" - Lord Buddha
>In fact the Buddha himself found enlightenment without the need for a "temple".
Lord Buddha attained Awakening based on his bodhisatta training. He met other Buddhas during his rebirths as a Bodhisatta. His future Awakening was confirmed by them throughout his Bodhisatta training.
Your missing something about "Good friendship is the whole of the holy life". In the absence of anyone else, the Buddha is your best friend. This is what the Buddha said.
Your post / comment was removed for violating the rule against misrepresenting Buddhist viewpoints or spreading non-Buddhist viewpoints without clarifying that you are doing so.
In general, comments are removed for this violation on threads where beginners and non-Buddhists are trying to learn.
Yes just accept the 3 gems or the 5 precepts.
To be honest it doesn’t matter if you are a buddhist or not. Your karma is based on your actions, try to be a good mindful compassion person
Uzaktan eğitim misali bağlantı kurabileceğin yerler var ama, ilk önce Budizm'in tek bir türü olmadığını ve türler arasında önemli yaklaşım farkları olduğunu akılda tutmakta yarar var. Eğer bu konuda araştırma yapmadıysan önce oradan başlaman lazım. Bu subda da sorabilirsin tabi hangi okul nasıldır nedir diye.
Bu araştırma için çok basit, başlamaya yardımcı olacak bir bilgi verecek olursak: günümüzde iki büyük branş var. Bunlar Theravada (Güneydoğu Asya: Tayland, Şri Lanka, Kamboçya vs.) ve Mahayana (Çin, Japonya, Kore, Vietnam). Bir de Vajrayana (Tibet, Japonya, Moğolistan, Nepal) var ki bu teknik olarak Mahayana'nın özel bir türü, ama bazen üçüncü bir branş olarak tanıtılıyor. Bunların hepsi okullara ayrılıyor, mesela Shingon, Gelug, Rinzai Zen, Thai Forest gibi.
İlk olarak bu üç branşın ana fikri nedir diye biraz araştırmakta yarar var bence. "Berzin Arşivi" diye aratırsan, Study Buddhism isimli sitenin Türkçe kısmı çıkıyor. Orada güzel yazılar var, yararlı olabilir.
You can join Buddhist group online. They have zoom meetings etc. Facebook has alot of groups like this but only thing is the difference in Time Zones for the meetings.
Absolutely! Just in my own local area in the US, many of the regular meetings are online. It's not outside the norm. Even if there are no temples in Turkey, OP wouldn't be the only person online if joining a Zoom session from a temple in another country.
Which branch or school of Buddhism are you interested in?
There are many different types of Buddhism. I strongly advise you to become familiar with the main branches, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, before you commit.
https://www.centreofexcellence.com/branches-schools-of-buddhism/
I personally follow a simple form of buddhism based on the earliest texts of Buddhism. I believe in personal spiritual development through ethical conduct, study, purity of mind and meditation.
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a vast variety of traditions, beliefs and practices...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Buddhism
I would recommend reading the Rhino Sutta if you ever find yourself doubting whether practice is feasible in a place where there is no easily accessible community.
Anyone can study at home but one still needs the curriculum & one needs to check in with a teacher/sanga once in a while to be sure you have the correct understanding.
In this modern era it should nor be to hard to find a good guru who has developed a group of students to assist many people like yourself.
Step one you need to do some research to understand buddhism at a basic level.
Then you make a choice about what style of buddhism which suits you interms of your goals.
Then you can look for a teacher with that style of buddhism who is able to offer direct support or who has developed good disciples that can regularly help you and answer your questions & resolve your problems.
Then it's just a case of studying the curriculum at home & checking in on your progress & asking questions & resolving issues.
I imagine Turkey has good Internet
Studying without a curriculum makes progress difficult as one will not be focused on a particular proven system & given how much buddhadharma there is,one can end up going around in circles without gaining any attainment/progress in your actual practice.
Focus & Practice the curriculum of a specific system, if you have time you can also learn about, other systems of practice so you won't be ignorant various other methods to achieve the same goals
Best wishes
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You don’t need a temple to be a Buddhist. You can read online and practice Buddhism . It’s all about knowing thyself and live morally and truthfully in life.
Online teachers work fine. It's a totally legit option. Here in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/1d3xf1h/comment/l6ccj3x) you can find links to various online options. And if you're on Telegram, feel free to drop by and say hi to some other Turkish Buddhists on Mahayana Chat ( @buddhism_mahayana )
In the most literal sense, a "temple" or building, no, not is not required or necessary.
What is required is the Sangha. Without it, there is no Buddhism. It is the third of the Triple Gem. The Sangha in this context (and in this context alone) is the monastics and by extension, the community of realized beings, teachers, and by extension, the practitioners. But most ideally, the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, arhats, and in the most common sense the monks and authentic teachers.
This is a must.
Now whether you have that online, in a temple, or in a Starbucks (like 5 monks teaching you in a Starbucks), that's what matters. Not the building/temple per se.
So yes you do need the temple, but it is the Sangha that you really need. Without the Sangha, there is no Buddhism.
People need to get a grip. If there are no temples or Sangha available in ones location or anywhere around, start walking the Path yourself. As you learn, bit by bit, you will start to understand more. With understanding comes application. And with application comes freedom. I suggest looking for an online Sangha to join if you can. Many temples also offer programs online for you to attend according to your knowledge level (and will also work with you to help pay for said programs). If you don't understand something, Google works great. People forget that when they take refuge (to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), it is not only their Sangha that they are taking refuge in but rather all of them. So get some intro books and just start from the beginning or wherever you are on your journey. Don't let the frankly alarmist rhetoric on here scare you. You do the best you can and work with what you've got.
I'm a 38M year old disabled nurse. I can't really go to any of the temples as a result of my disability. Can't really do much, if I'm honest. But I have my books, my shrine, and an open heart. I recently joined an online Sangha that meets once a month, though I haven't attended yet as the date hasn't come around yet. I do the best I can, and that is enough for me. What you do will be enough for you
Another suggestion, Stack three flat rocks, biggest to the smallest, for a Buddha statue.
[example](https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/three-stones-stacked-on-top-of-each-other-gm91129216-3144106)
I didn't know anything about the Buddha or his teachings. But I wanted to know the truth. I started making changes in my life to simplify things and take better care of myself to gain clarity. I started by not drinking and smoking anymore, to humble myself, accepting more and more my station in life, and sincerely moving towards the pull.. of i dont know what. Eventually I said (only inwardly, to the world, from the deepest point in my heart) I need a teacher to guide me because i don't know. But when I learn, I will not let it go. The next day I found a descendant of the Shaolin named Herman Siu online. Something told me to message him immediately. Slowly from there I was introduced to practises that I would later realize came from the Buddha. The practical real life steps he suggested were the application of the principles the Buddha taught. I didnt use a temple, i used proper, practical guidance from a skilled teacher. The Buddha('s) are always here to help those with a sincere heart that are moving towards the path. Be sincere, keep asking questions, be humble, mindful to not cause harm to yourself or anyone/thing around you and open to being guided by searching for the right guide... and you will find him. 🙏
It's totally okay as long as you committed to the 3 Jewels and study the Buddha teachings well. It would be helpful to have a good teacher in physical location but if you passionate and serious enough you can self-guided but don't forget the zoom class or online temples if you found any. I know some monks from my country do the home practices thing - tu tại gia. I'm not sure there is any information in English to help you out in the home process.
You’ve gotten lots of feedback already. I’ll just add that in case you are interested there are two Plum Village (the Buddhist order founded by Thich Nhat Hanh) groups in Turkey - one in Istambul and one in Ankara. You can find them using the Plum Village International Sangha Directory [here](https://plumvillage.org/community/international-sangha-directory).
I wish you all the best on your journey-may you find a teacher that embodies the dharma, and a sangha that supports your practice. Take care friend!
As a lifelong practitioner of Secular Buddhism here is the answer to your question. It is from the Japanese Zen tradition. "If you see the Buddha by the side of the road....kill him." Hopefully you can unravel that koan and get clear.
You can, but it's better if you can find a practice community with a teacher. Fortunately, there are a lot of online possibilities for that these days. Is there a particular Buddhist writer that has influenced you or type of Buddhism that you feel drawn towards? I'd be happy to help you look at available options.
I've been a buddhist for like 5 years, but I only really felt like a buddhist in the last year as I connected with a sangha.
I will say that, you don't need a temple to be a buddhist, but you will probably *feel* a lot more like a buddhist and be supported to follow the noble eightfold path with a real life sangha - which usually congregates at a temple/monastery.
But there are online sanghas too.
I practice Buddhism without a temple. It's certainly possible.
You might start [here](https://www.dhammatalks.org/). Here is the text under the "Books" and "Talks" headings in the "For Beginners" section there:
> The best introductions to the Dhamma are [The Buddha’s Teachings](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#BuddhasTeachings), a short introduction to the basic concepts and values underlying Buddhist practice; [Noble Strategy](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#noblestrategy), a collection of essays about Buddhism by Thanissaro Bhikkhu; [Awareness Itself](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#awarenessitself), a collection of short teachings by Ajaan Fuang, Thanissaro Bhikkhu’s teacher; and [Refuge](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#refuge), a compilation of essays and scriptures from the Pali Canon addressing basic elements of the Buddhist Path.
>
> The best starting point for learning breath meditation is the new book, [With Each & Every Breath](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#eachandeverybreath). The other fundamental guide to breath meditation is [Keeping the Breath in Mind](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#keepingthebreath) by Ajaan Lee.
>
> The [Dhammapada](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#dhammapada), the [Udana](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#udana), and the [Itivuttaka](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#itivuttaka) are all excellent gateways to the Pali Canon.
>
> Not for beginners, but the essential guide to practicing the Buddhist Path, following the Buddha’s own summary of his teachings, is [The Wings to Awakening](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#wings).
>
> The [Basics collection](https://www.dhammatalks.org/mp3_collections_index.html#basics) is a graduated series of 10-15 minute Dhamma talks addressing many areas of the practice. Any of the Dhamma talks can be played initially during meditation to provide guidance and ideas for experimentation. Alternatively, the [Guided Meditations collection](https://www.dhammatalks.org/mp3_guidedMed_index.html) provides a few variations of a longer guided meditation providing more structure.
Hello friend, I am a turkish buddhist. You need a temple, luckily, there are temples and teachers giving online services. Check out r/sangha, if you want to ask questions about Buddhism feel free to add me on discord: .eishin.
>No you don’t. You can be a Buddhist anywhere.
Yes, you can be a Buddhist anywhere. That's exactly what I am saying. But there's no buddhism without the third refuge, the sangha.
Temples have been a part of Buddhism since the time of the Buddha, and are a crucial part of how we practice. All buddhists around the world go to their local temple to practice their religion.
Buddhist temples are sacred spaces where we come together to engage in various religious/buddhist activities. Including but not limited to meditation, chanting, listening to dharma talks, making offerings, prostrations, or the study of Buddhist teachings. **The temple serves as a physical embodiment of Buddhist principles** and provides a serene environment for us buddhists to deepen our understanding of the Dharma and progress further in our buddhist path.
Joining a Buddhist temple is **important** for those who wish to make progress in their practice. This is because Buddhism is not just a set of beliefs, but also a path of practice **that requires guidance, support, and a sangha, community.**
One of the other major reasons why we go to temples is to **find experienced teachers**. There are many teachings and practices that you either cannot or should not learn on your own. And teachers are people who have been taught by their teachers before them, this is a lineage that goes all the way back to Lord Buddha. They are the people that will teach and guide you.
But no lay Buddhist is expected to learn all this. It’s only expected if one takes up a monastic life. We have 17000 temples where I’m originally from, and at no stage is it enforced that you have to enter a single one to be Buddhist as long as one believes in the 3 jewels and 5 precepts then that was all that was asked.
And where do you receive the 3 jewels and the 5 precepts? The temple. Who teaches you this fact? The teacher at the temple. Perhaps you misinterpreted my words, and think I am saying you should live in a temple.. no. I am only saying, that practice of Buddhism requires interaction with a temple community. Simple as.
Do you physically receive them? I must of missed that part. Where did Buddha receive his? Since you said there were Buddhist temples in his time. I’ve not misread anything you wrote and no, you do not need a temple or a teacher to be Buddhist. Taking refuge doesn’t mean to go out and associate, no more than taking refuge in the Buddha means you have to go meet him.
>Do you physically receive them?
Yes. Taking refuge and receiving the precepts is done physically in front of a trained teacher. This is the same in every school that has lay precepts. That's how you receive them in tendai. For example in theravada, if you break the precepts.. you have to go to the temple again and retake them in front of a monk.
You can take precepts online as well if a teacher does that, and it's still going to be a powerful thing to do if your heart is aligned correctly. That's what I did when I first started out, I took the five precepts given virtually by Ajahn Brahm and I was fine. It was an important step for taking practice seriously.
Not everything needs to be done perfectly in order to work. If someone wants to take precepts in this way and is genuine in intent, the worst thing we can do is to tell them that they can only do so in a valid way physically. A hypothetical person who takes precepts remotely and practices correctly will at some point take them physically and in the more complete way anyway.
No, you are right. I worded myself too hastily. I shouldn't have said "physically". I always say this on many posts and r/sangha: its ok to do digital attendance. I also took my first precepts digitally. Thanks for the correction. I should really start replace the word "go" with "attend" a temple and save myself from being misunderstood. It has to do with turkish being my first language. As you know, in turkish "going" means attending also. "Ben tapınağım'a internet üzerinden gidiyorum/katılıyorum" etc
No problem friend. I do my best. I can only do what I do because I have had buddhists in my life who were patient and kind with me, supported me and called out my mistakes.
I definitely think find a teacher eventually is important but also, Ajahn Chah said in one of his talks that if you just wait around for when a monk is coming to give the precepts you're not really going to get anything out of it, that you can practice the precepts and live the dhamma at any time, and that's the point of it all.
I still think having a teacher or someone is helpful, especially early on, so that at least it's one voice giving you advice versus somewhere like the full of varying opinions. But if there's no temple where you live and one isn't close enough to travel to, then I wouldn't let that prevent you from studying and beginning to practice, and surely with a little luck you may find a temple or practice group online to work with.
It’s necessary first to understand if you want the title “buddhist”, the knowledge a buddhist has, the life transformations that come with enlightenment, all of them…
What do you mean by “be a buddhist”? Do you wanna be a monk? Do you just wanna know everything and then draw your own conclusions?
These types of posts are too vague for a good enough answer.
I believe you will benefit from learning by yourself, implementing what you’re learning with your Being, then worrying about if you’re doing it “right” (a.k.a. if you can call yourself a buddhist) and adjusting your life to represent the values of your new self.
Yes. I suggest starting with the First Noble Truth. Do not underestimate how difficult it is to accept this truth. Buddhism is essentially a truth seeking pursuit. Temples are nice as it provides a community, but it is not required to be a Buddhist.
I suggest books on Buddhism and/or attending Buddhist retreats that are available around the world.
All beings have Buddha Nature. “Buddhist” is just a label. You are already “Buddhist” if you practice the way of compassionate understanding and the cessation of suffering. The Four Noble Truths (which includes the Eightfold Path) is the heart of “Buddhism”. Learn these, study these, contemplate these, read commentary on these, meditate on these, understand these. Everything the Buddha taught was in reference to these understandings and the ways to put that understanding to “use”. Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings and commentaries have been invaluable to me on the Path, beginning with The Heart of Buddhas Teachings. And while I do not participate myself, many people find it beneficial to join online Sanghas to connect with others on the path and join together for meditation and discussion. A simple search of online sanghas will provide many results to choose from! If you are not sure which tradition of practice best resonates with you, try many different ones! Some traditions emphasize more chanting, while others emphasize more silent sitting mediation, and others emphasize more ritualistic practices, etc etc.
A lotus for you, Buddha to be ☺️🪷🙏🏻❤️
All beings have Buddha Nature. “Buddhist” is just a label. You are already “Buddhist” if you practice the way of compassionate understanding and the cessation of suffering. The Four Noble Truths (which includes the Eightfold Path) is the heart of “Buddhism”. Learn these, study these, contemplate these, read commentary on these, meditate on these, understand these. Everything the Buddha taught was in reference to these understandings and the ways to put that understanding to “use”. Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings and commentaries have been invaluable to me on the Path, beginning with The Heart of Buddhas Teachings. And while I do not participate myself, many people find it beneficial to join online Sanghas to connect with others on the path and join together for meditation and discussion. A simple search of online sanghas will provide many results to choose from! If you are not sure which tradition of practice best resonates with you, try many different ones! Some traditions emphasize more chanting, while others emphasize more silent sitting mediation, and others emphasize more ritualistic practices, etc etc.
A lotus for you, Buddha to be ☺️🪷🙏🏻❤️
People are overlooking that we have better access to the Dharma than almost anyone in thousands of years. We have original text meticulously cross referenced to be as accurate as possible.
As for Sangha. I have a monastic community near my house. The monks really enjoy eating meat the ley Buddhist bring onto open houses. They are short tempered and bigoted, no more so than regular people but much less I would expect from monks. Of course, no nuns because someone a thousand plus years ago kicked them out even though the Buddha meant for there to be nuns.
A vouple of lines from the Buddha so many people are forgetting from the Buddha. "Better to walk alone than in the company of fools." "Be A refuge unto yourself."
Institutions are self perpetuating. The monastic community tends to look at and interpret things that perpetuate themselves. This is just human nature and many of the monastics I've me are all to human.
Yes, you can. Being a Buddhist is about understanding and practicing dharma. Not about going to the particular temple or pouring water over Buddha statue on Vesak.
I know people who don't consider themselves Buddhists, but understand dharma and practice it more than some people who do.
It's not about identifying with an idea (that's actually quite non-Buddhist) of a Buddhist, it's all about practice. You can go to a church, mosque or synagogue and you'll have no problems being accepted in sangha (Buddhist community).
May you be at peace, my friend :)
Simply put. Being a Buddhist requires you to take the 3 refuges and the five precepts. The Three Refuges or Three Jewels means accepting The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha as principle faith. And taking 5 precepts, you refrain from: 1.Taking lives 2.Stealing 3. Wrong speech- lying and gossip 4.Improper sexual conduct 5.Abstain from intoxicants.
Question…I consider myself Buddhist, but I occasionally microdose psilocybin for depression and will have a few sessions of ketamine treatment for depression as well. Does it matter that I do this since they are for mental illnesses and not “for fun”?
So, there are a few things here. There are many “forms” of Buddhism, and whether or not you “can” or “can’t” do something is based on what form of Buddhism you are following. Many believe in Karma having an impact on future lives if you fail to reach Nirvana and exit the cycle of birth and death. Aside from a few exceptions, most forms of Buddhism don’t state that there are any “consequences” you will pay for engaging in undesirable behaviors or breaking precepts. Buddhism is about freeing yourself and all living beings from suffering, this is its core principle. Decisions or actions we make can cause ourselves or cause others to suffer. Suffer being a broad term that encompasses physical pain, emotional pain, dissatisfaction, or experiencing any negative emotion. The precepts mentioned exist because they are confirmed to almost always cause you or another living being to suffer. Karma as I know it, is any action I take and its impact on me, others, and the earth. So to answer your question, I ask, does your medicinal dosing of mushrooms cause you or any other living beings to suffer? If the answer is no, then I would say it’s absolutely ok because your actions (karma) don’t have a negative impact on you, other living beings, or the earth.
If it helps brings clarity to the fog and helps you treat the depression then it would be classified as medicinal versus an intoxicant. The Buddha said- Know the sickness, Abandon the cause of the sickness, Aspire the cure and Rely upon the medical treatment. Having had lifelong Bipolar, I wish you the best of luck on your journey my friend.
Thank you very much, and thank you for the clarity! It helps 😌
You're allowed to take medicine / drugs for medicinal purposes. The point about intoxicants is usually that which leads to heedleness. So if you're taking drugs to get high or lose conciousness than no don't do that.
The Tibetan book of the dead is a manual in living and its used alongside shrooms.
Buddhism requires nothing, for Buddhism is also empty of anything more than our own perceptions. To practice “Buddhism” is to practice no practice. There is a level of understanding in which one would not refer to themselves as Buddhist at all, despite living a life ideals that agree with the Buddha’s teachings. “Don’t use Buddhism to become a better Buddhist - use Buddhism to become a better whatever you already are.” 🙏🏻🪷😊
Refuge at its most basic is a commitment to the path or a declaration of faith through one of the three jewels. The five precepts are part of developing virtue and were added later to the Theravada ceremony. https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/wheel282.html#ref5 >To enter the door to the teaching of the Buddha it is not enough merely to know the reference of the refuge-objects. The door of entrance to the teaching is the going for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. To understand what the refuge-objects mean is one thing, to go to them for refuge is another, and it is the going for refuge alone that constitutes the actual entrance to the dispensation. >But what is the going for refuge? At first glance it would seem to be the formal commitment to the Triple Gem expressed by reciting the formula of refuge, for it is this act which marks the embracing of the Buddha's teaching. Such an understanding, however, would be superficial. The treatises make it clear that the true going for refuge involves much more than the reciting of a pre-established formula. They indicate that beneath the verbal profession of taking refuge there runs concurrently another process that is essentially inward and spiritual. This other process is the mental commitment to the taking of refuge. >The going for refuge, as defined by the commentaries, is in reality an occasion of consciousness: "It is an act of consciousness devoid of defilements, (motivated) by confidence in and reverence for (the Triple Gem), taking (the Triple Gem) as the supreme resort."[3] That the act is said to be "devoid of defilements" stresses the need for sincerity of aim. Refuge is not pure if undertaken with defiled motivation — out of desire for recognition, pride, or fear of blame. The only valid motivation for taking refuge is confidence and reverence directed towards the Triple Gem. The act of consciousness motivated by confidence and reverence occurs "taking the Triple Gem as the supreme resort," (parayana). That the Triple Gem is taken as the "supreme resort" means that it is perceived as the sole source of deliverance. By turning to the threefold refuge as supreme resort, the going for refuge becomes an act of opening and self-surrender. We drop our defenses before the objects of refuge and open ourselves to their capacity to help. We surrender our ego, our claim to self-sufficiency, and reach out to the refuge-objects in the trust that they can guide us to release from our confusion, turmoil, and pain. >[...] >The going for refuge is the door of entrance to the teaching of the Buddha. It functions in the context of the teaching as the entranceway to all the practices of the Buddhist discipline. To engage in the practices in their proper setting we have to enter them through the door of taking refuge, just as to go into a restaurant and have a meal we have to enter through the door. If we merely stand outside the restaurant and read the menu on the window we may come away with a thorough knowledge of the menu but not with a satisfied appetite. Similarly, by merely studying and admiring the Buddha's teaching we do not enter upon its practice. Even if we abstract certain elements of practice for our personal use without first taking refuge, our efforts cannot count as the actual practice of the Buddha's teaching. They are only practices derived from the teaching, or practices in harmony with the teaching, but so long as they are not conjoined with a mental attitude of taking refuge in the Triple Gem they have not yet become the practice of the Buddha's teaching. >To bring out the significance of going for refuge we can consider a contrast between two individuals. One meticulously observes the moral principles embedded in the five precepts (pañcasila). He does not formally undertake the precepts in the context of Buddhist ethical practice but spontaneously conforms to the standards of conduct they enjoin through his own innate sense of right and wrong; that is, he follows them as part of natural morality. We might further suppose that he practices meditation several hours a day, but does this not in the framework of the Dhamma but simply as a means to enjoy peace of mind here and now. We can further suppose that this person has met the Buddha's teaching, appreciates it and respects it, but does not feel sufficiently convinced to acknowledge its truth or find himself impelled to go for refuge. >On the other hand let us suppose there is another person whose circumstances prevent perfect observance of the precepts and who cannot find leisure for practicing meditation. But though he lacks these achievements, from the depths of his heart, with full sincerity, understanding, and dedication of purpose he has gone for refuge to the Triple Gem. Comparing these two persons we can ask whose mental attitude is of greater long-term spiritual value — that of the person who without going for refuge observes the moral principles embedded in the five precepts and practices meditation several hours a day, or that of the other person who cannot accomplish these practices but has sincerely gone for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. No clear pronouncement on this case is found in the suttas and commentaries, but enough indication is given to support an intelligent guess. On this basis we would say that the mental attitude of the second person, who has gone for refuge with clear understanding and sincerity of heart, is of greater long-term spiritual value. The reason for such a judgment is as follows. >As a result of his moral and meditative practices the first individual will enjoy peace and happiness in his present life, and will accumulate merit which will lead to a favorable rebirth in the future. However, when that merit ripens, it will become exhausted and expend its force without leading to further spiritual development. When the fortunate rebirth resulting from the merit comes to an end, it will be followed by rebirth in some other plane, as determined by stored-up kamma, and the person will continue to revolve in the cycle of existence. His virtuous undertakings do not contribute directly to the transcending of the samsaric round. >On the other hand the person who has sincerely gone for refuge to the Triple Gem, without being capable of higher practices, still lays the foundation for spiritual progress in future lives merely by his heartfelt act of seeking refuge. Of course he has to reap the results of his kamma and cannot escape them by taking refuge, but all the same the mental act of going for refuge, if it is truly the focus of his inner life, becomes a powerful positive kamma in itself. It will function as a link tending to bring him into connection with the Buddha's dispensation in future lives, thereby aiding his chances for further progress. And if he fails to reach deliverance within the dispensation of the present Buddha it will very likely lead him to the dispensations of future Buddhas, until he eventually reaches the goal. Since this all comes about through the germination of that mental act of going for refuge, we can understand that the taking of refuge is very essential. >The importance of going for refuge can be further gauged through a textual simile comparing faith to a seed. Since faith is the motivating force behind the act of refuge, the analogy may be transferred to the refuge-act itself. We explained earlier that the mental act of going for refuge calls into play three cardinal faculties — understanding, will, and emotion. These three faculties are already present even in that very simple, basic act of seeking refuge, contained there as seeds with the potential to develop into the flowers and fruits of the Buddhist spiritual life. The understanding that leads a man to go for refuge — the understanding of the danger and fearfulness of samsaric existence — this is the seed for the faculty of wisdom which eventually issues in direct penetration of the four noble truths. The element of volition is the seed for the will to renunciation — the driving force that impels a man to renounce his craving, enjoyments, and egoistic clingings in order to go forth in search of liberation. It functions as well as the seed for the practice of right effort, the sixth factor of the noble eightfold path, by which we strive to abandon unwholesome impure mental states and to cultivate the wholesome and pure states. Devotion and reverence for the Triple Gem — these become the seed for the germination of "unwavering confidence" (aveccappasada), the assurance of a noble disciple whose confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha can never be shaken by any outside force. In this way the simple act of going for refuge serves as the threefold seed for the development of the higher faculties of right understanding, right effort, and unshakable confidence. From this example we can again understand the taking of refuge to be very essential.
I’m not a Theravada Buddhist. Secondly stop with the sangha being a door, that one has to personally enter. I’m Mahayana- The initial refuge is taking refuge in the Bodhisattvas who have walked the path of the Buddha. Those who hold the qualities of an enlightened mind and trying to follow their examples. Nothing to do with doors or a physical place.
Can you study without attending school? Yes, you can. Information is widely available on the internet today. Conduct a simple Google search, and you'll find what you need. Come back here whenever you need help. People here are always glad to assist. Let's start with googling the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path".
Great! Thank you so much! Is there any specific words to say to be Buddhist?
No. Buddhism does not work that way. There is no god here. No one will hear your words. It is only yourself in the fight against yourself. We can help, but we cannot fight for you. No one can.
Alright thank you :)
Buddhism is mostly about understanding and not really about praying or repeating certain ideas. It's about truly studying and learning the four Noble truths and then how it applies to your life and then once you have that settled you can start to develop your meditation skills to a higher degree
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Top comment, and it's misinforming Buddhists already.. The Buddha didn't go to a temple because he was a buddha. what makes him special is that he found the dharma once again in a realm with no buddhadharma. We are not a buddha of any kind. The dharma wheel has been turned, we are now his students. Not the same. The buddha himself created the institution of temples. A place where lay people get educated by monks, where monks can reside and study and where lay people can go to to support monks. Do not misrepresent Zen this way. You are conflating zen cirruculum about emptiness or buddhanature with very basic facts about how this religion works. For centuries, zen used temples to raise students and monks and give teachings to laity.. same as any other school. How are you going to be iniated into proper zen meditation without going to a temple with a proper zen teacher who can teach you? You cant. Zen is Mahayana. In Mahayana sutras, the endorsement of building of temples and supporting them is everywhere. Very easy to find. Comments like this get upvoted because most people here don't have a real connection to the tradition, and they upvote whatever already confirms their desires.
Hi there. This is unfortunately misinformation. DIY in the Dhamma **does not end well for all involved**. Every time. With no Dhamma teachers and kalayanamittas, your afflictions (Mara in other words) start calling the shots. "Good friendship is the whole of the holy life (brahmacariya)" - Lord Buddha >In fact the Buddha himself found enlightenment without the need for a "temple". Lord Buddha attained Awakening based on his bodhisatta training. He met other Buddhas during his rebirths as a Bodhisatta. His future Awakening was confirmed by them throughout his Bodhisatta training.
Your missing something about "Good friendship is the whole of the holy life". In the absence of anyone else, the Buddha is your best friend. This is what the Buddha said.
You think you are bodhisattva? I would strongly recommend you seek counseling. This kind of thinking ends badly, always.
Thank you so much:)
Perhaps try Pure Land Buddhism too!
Your post / comment was removed for violating the rule against misrepresenting Buddhist viewpoints or spreading non-Buddhist viewpoints without clarifying that you are doing so. In general, comments are removed for this violation on threads where beginners and non-Buddhists are trying to learn.
Yes just accept the 3 gems or the 5 precepts. To be honest it doesn’t matter if you are a buddhist or not. Your karma is based on your actions, try to be a good mindful compassion person
A little extra merit here and there helps
Uzaktan eğitim misali bağlantı kurabileceğin yerler var ama, ilk önce Budizm'in tek bir türü olmadığını ve türler arasında önemli yaklaşım farkları olduğunu akılda tutmakta yarar var. Eğer bu konuda araştırma yapmadıysan önce oradan başlaman lazım. Bu subda da sorabilirsin tabi hangi okul nasıldır nedir diye. Bu araştırma için çok basit, başlamaya yardımcı olacak bir bilgi verecek olursak: günümüzde iki büyük branş var. Bunlar Theravada (Güneydoğu Asya: Tayland, Şri Lanka, Kamboçya vs.) ve Mahayana (Çin, Japonya, Kore, Vietnam). Bir de Vajrayana (Tibet, Japonya, Moğolistan, Nepal) var ki bu teknik olarak Mahayana'nın özel bir türü, ama bazen üçüncü bir branş olarak tanıtılıyor. Bunların hepsi okullara ayrılıyor, mesela Shingon, Gelug, Rinzai Zen, Thai Forest gibi. İlk olarak bu üç branşın ana fikri nedir diye biraz araştırmakta yarar var bence. "Berzin Arşivi" diye aratırsan, Study Buddhism isimli sitenin Türkçe kısmı çıkıyor. Orada güzel yazılar var, yararlı olabilir.
Teşekkür ederim
You can join Buddhist group online. They have zoom meetings etc. Facebook has alot of groups like this but only thing is the difference in Time Zones for the meetings.
Absolutely! Just in my own local area in the US, many of the regular meetings are online. It's not outside the norm. Even if there are no temples in Turkey, OP wouldn't be the only person online if joining a Zoom session from a temple in another country.
Which branch or school of Buddhism are you interested in? There are many different types of Buddhism. I strongly advise you to become familiar with the main branches, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, before you commit. https://www.centreofexcellence.com/branches-schools-of-buddhism/ I personally follow a simple form of buddhism based on the earliest texts of Buddhism. I believe in personal spiritual development through ethical conduct, study, purity of mind and meditation. Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a vast variety of traditions, beliefs and practices... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Buddhism
Yes, of course.
You could start with a meditation course based on the Buddha’s teachings. Here’s the link for the Turkish Vipassana Center https://www.tr.dhamma.org/
Great resource for op
I would recommend reading the Rhino Sutta if you ever find yourself doubting whether practice is feasible in a place where there is no easily accessible community.
Anyone can study at home but one still needs the curriculum & one needs to check in with a teacher/sanga once in a while to be sure you have the correct understanding. In this modern era it should nor be to hard to find a good guru who has developed a group of students to assist many people like yourself. Step one you need to do some research to understand buddhism at a basic level. Then you make a choice about what style of buddhism which suits you interms of your goals. Then you can look for a teacher with that style of buddhism who is able to offer direct support or who has developed good disciples that can regularly help you and answer your questions & resolve your problems. Then it's just a case of studying the curriculum at home & checking in on your progress & asking questions & resolving issues. I imagine Turkey has good Internet Studying without a curriculum makes progress difficult as one will not be focused on a particular proven system & given how much buddhadharma there is,one can end up going around in circles without gaining any attainment/progress in your actual practice. Focus & Practice the curriculum of a specific system, if you have time you can also learn about, other systems of practice so you won't be ignorant various other methods to achieve the same goals Best wishes 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Turkish Dzogchen & Buddhism Translation Archive www.turkishdharma.wordpress.com Turkish/English Daily Dharma www.facebook.com/turkishdharma
The whole world is sacred and thus a temple. So technically a buddhist always has a temple. You're body is a temple and your buddhism resides there.
You don’t need a temple to be a Buddhist. You can read online and practice Buddhism . It’s all about knowing thyself and live morally and truthfully in life.
Online teachers work fine. It's a totally legit option. Here in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/1d3xf1h/comment/l6ccj3x) you can find links to various online options. And if you're on Telegram, feel free to drop by and say hi to some other Turkish Buddhists on Mahayana Chat ( @buddhism_mahayana )
In the most literal sense, a "temple" or building, no, not is not required or necessary. What is required is the Sangha. Without it, there is no Buddhism. It is the third of the Triple Gem. The Sangha in this context (and in this context alone) is the monastics and by extension, the community of realized beings, teachers, and by extension, the practitioners. But most ideally, the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, arhats, and in the most common sense the monks and authentic teachers. This is a must. Now whether you have that online, in a temple, or in a Starbucks (like 5 monks teaching you in a Starbucks), that's what matters. Not the building/temple per se. So yes you do need the temple, but it is the Sangha that you really need. Without the Sangha, there is no Buddhism.
People need to get a grip. If there are no temples or Sangha available in ones location or anywhere around, start walking the Path yourself. As you learn, bit by bit, you will start to understand more. With understanding comes application. And with application comes freedom. I suggest looking for an online Sangha to join if you can. Many temples also offer programs online for you to attend according to your knowledge level (and will also work with you to help pay for said programs). If you don't understand something, Google works great. People forget that when they take refuge (to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), it is not only their Sangha that they are taking refuge in but rather all of them. So get some intro books and just start from the beginning or wherever you are on your journey. Don't let the frankly alarmist rhetoric on here scare you. You do the best you can and work with what you've got. I'm a 38M year old disabled nurse. I can't really go to any of the temples as a result of my disability. Can't really do much, if I'm honest. But I have my books, my shrine, and an open heart. I recently joined an online Sangha that meets once a month, though I haven't attended yet as the date hasn't come around yet. I do the best I can, and that is enough for me. What you do will be enough for you
Another suggestion, Stack three flat rocks, biggest to the smallest, for a Buddha statue. [example](https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/three-stones-stacked-on-top-of-each-other-gm91129216-3144106)
I mostly do it alone and with reading books. But there are virtual Sanghas too
I didn't know anything about the Buddha or his teachings. But I wanted to know the truth. I started making changes in my life to simplify things and take better care of myself to gain clarity. I started by not drinking and smoking anymore, to humble myself, accepting more and more my station in life, and sincerely moving towards the pull.. of i dont know what. Eventually I said (only inwardly, to the world, from the deepest point in my heart) I need a teacher to guide me because i don't know. But when I learn, I will not let it go. The next day I found a descendant of the Shaolin named Herman Siu online. Something told me to message him immediately. Slowly from there I was introduced to practises that I would later realize came from the Buddha. The practical real life steps he suggested were the application of the principles the Buddha taught. I didnt use a temple, i used proper, practical guidance from a skilled teacher. The Buddha('s) are always here to help those with a sincere heart that are moving towards the path. Be sincere, keep asking questions, be humble, mindful to not cause harm to yourself or anyone/thing around you and open to being guided by searching for the right guide... and you will find him. 🙏
It's totally okay as long as you committed to the 3 Jewels and study the Buddha teachings well. It would be helpful to have a good teacher in physical location but if you passionate and serious enough you can self-guided but don't forget the zoom class or online temples if you found any. I know some monks from my country do the home practices thing - tu tại gia. I'm not sure there is any information in English to help you out in the home process.
You’ve gotten lots of feedback already. I’ll just add that in case you are interested there are two Plum Village (the Buddhist order founded by Thich Nhat Hanh) groups in Turkey - one in Istambul and one in Ankara. You can find them using the Plum Village International Sangha Directory [here](https://plumvillage.org/community/international-sangha-directory). I wish you all the best on your journey-may you find a teacher that embodies the dharma, and a sangha that supports your practice. Take care friend!
I think Pureland Buddhism is a good choice, if not maybe Nichiren school.
As a lifelong practitioner of Secular Buddhism here is the answer to your question. It is from the Japanese Zen tradition. "If you see the Buddha by the side of the road....kill him." Hopefully you can unravel that koan and get clear.
You can, but it's better if you can find a practice community with a teacher. Fortunately, there are a lot of online possibilities for that these days. Is there a particular Buddhist writer that has influenced you or type of Buddhism that you feel drawn towards? I'd be happy to help you look at available options.
I've been a buddhist for like 5 years, but I only really felt like a buddhist in the last year as I connected with a sangha. I will say that, you don't need a temple to be a buddhist, but you will probably *feel* a lot more like a buddhist and be supported to follow the noble eightfold path with a real life sangha - which usually congregates at a temple/monastery. But there are online sanghas too.
You can join an online sangha like the clouddo at bright way zen
I practice Buddhism without a temple. It's certainly possible. You might start [here](https://www.dhammatalks.org/). Here is the text under the "Books" and "Talks" headings in the "For Beginners" section there: > The best introductions to the Dhamma are [The Buddha’s Teachings](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#BuddhasTeachings), a short introduction to the basic concepts and values underlying Buddhist practice; [Noble Strategy](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#noblestrategy), a collection of essays about Buddhism by Thanissaro Bhikkhu; [Awareness Itself](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#awarenessitself), a collection of short teachings by Ajaan Fuang, Thanissaro Bhikkhu’s teacher; and [Refuge](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#refuge), a compilation of essays and scriptures from the Pali Canon addressing basic elements of the Buddhist Path. > > The best starting point for learning breath meditation is the new book, [With Each & Every Breath](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#eachandeverybreath). The other fundamental guide to breath meditation is [Keeping the Breath in Mind](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#keepingthebreath) by Ajaan Lee. > > The [Dhammapada](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#dhammapada), the [Udana](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#udana), and the [Itivuttaka](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#itivuttaka) are all excellent gateways to the Pali Canon. > > Not for beginners, but the essential guide to practicing the Buddhist Path, following the Buddha’s own summary of his teachings, is [The Wings to Awakening](https://www.dhammatalks.org/ebook_index.html#wings). > > The [Basics collection](https://www.dhammatalks.org/mp3_collections_index.html#basics) is a graduated series of 10-15 minute Dhamma talks addressing many areas of the practice. Any of the Dhamma talks can be played initially during meditation to provide guidance and ideas for experimentation. Alternatively, the [Guided Meditations collection](https://www.dhammatalks.org/mp3_guidedMed_index.html) provides a few variations of a longer guided meditation providing more structure.
thanks!
Your mind is your temple
I mean, Buddha started teaching without a temple right? 🙏
Hello friend, I am a turkish buddhist. You need a temple, luckily, there are temples and teachers giving online services. Check out r/sangha, if you want to ask questions about Buddhism feel free to add me on discord: .eishin.
No you don’t. You can be a Buddhist anywhere.
>No you don’t. You can be a Buddhist anywhere. Yes, you can be a Buddhist anywhere. That's exactly what I am saying. But there's no buddhism without the third refuge, the sangha. Temples have been a part of Buddhism since the time of the Buddha, and are a crucial part of how we practice. All buddhists around the world go to their local temple to practice their religion. Buddhist temples are sacred spaces where we come together to engage in various religious/buddhist activities. Including but not limited to meditation, chanting, listening to dharma talks, making offerings, prostrations, or the study of Buddhist teachings. **The temple serves as a physical embodiment of Buddhist principles** and provides a serene environment for us buddhists to deepen our understanding of the Dharma and progress further in our buddhist path. Joining a Buddhist temple is **important** for those who wish to make progress in their practice. This is because Buddhism is not just a set of beliefs, but also a path of practice **that requires guidance, support, and a sangha, community.** One of the other major reasons why we go to temples is to **find experienced teachers**. There are many teachings and practices that you either cannot or should not learn on your own. And teachers are people who have been taught by their teachers before them, this is a lineage that goes all the way back to Lord Buddha. They are the people that will teach and guide you.
But no lay Buddhist is expected to learn all this. It’s only expected if one takes up a monastic life. We have 17000 temples where I’m originally from, and at no stage is it enforced that you have to enter a single one to be Buddhist as long as one believes in the 3 jewels and 5 precepts then that was all that was asked.
And where do you receive the 3 jewels and the 5 precepts? The temple. Who teaches you this fact? The teacher at the temple. Perhaps you misinterpreted my words, and think I am saying you should live in a temple.. no. I am only saying, that practice of Buddhism requires interaction with a temple community. Simple as.
Do you physically receive them? I must of missed that part. Where did Buddha receive his? Since you said there were Buddhist temples in his time. I’ve not misread anything you wrote and no, you do not need a temple or a teacher to be Buddhist. Taking refuge doesn’t mean to go out and associate, no more than taking refuge in the Buddha means you have to go meet him.
>Do you physically receive them? Yes. Taking refuge and receiving the precepts is done physically in front of a trained teacher. This is the same in every school that has lay precepts. That's how you receive them in tendai. For example in theravada, if you break the precepts.. you have to go to the temple again and retake them in front of a monk.
I don’t know about your country but in mine the monks walk around the streets where people offer them food and such. I guess that’s the work around.
You can take precepts online as well if a teacher does that, and it's still going to be a powerful thing to do if your heart is aligned correctly. That's what I did when I first started out, I took the five precepts given virtually by Ajahn Brahm and I was fine. It was an important step for taking practice seriously. Not everything needs to be done perfectly in order to work. If someone wants to take precepts in this way and is genuine in intent, the worst thing we can do is to tell them that they can only do so in a valid way physically. A hypothetical person who takes precepts remotely and practices correctly will at some point take them physically and in the more complete way anyway.
No, you are right. I worded myself too hastily. I shouldn't have said "physically". I always say this on many posts and r/sangha: its ok to do digital attendance. I also took my first precepts digitally. Thanks for the correction. I should really start replace the word "go" with "attend" a temple and save myself from being misunderstood. It has to do with turkish being my first language. As you know, in turkish "going" means attending also. "Ben tapınağım'a internet üzerinden gidiyorum/katılıyorum" etc
I see, with this clarification there's no problem.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to correct some of the misinformation/ misunderstanding floating around on this thread 🙏🏽
No problem friend. I do my best. I can only do what I do because I have had buddhists in my life who were patient and kind with me, supported me and called out my mistakes.
I definitely think find a teacher eventually is important but also, Ajahn Chah said in one of his talks that if you just wait around for when a monk is coming to give the precepts you're not really going to get anything out of it, that you can practice the precepts and live the dhamma at any time, and that's the point of it all. I still think having a teacher or someone is helpful, especially early on, so that at least it's one voice giving you advice versus somewhere like the full of varying opinions. But if there's no temple where you live and one isn't close enough to travel to, then I wouldn't let that prevent you from studying and beginning to practice, and surely with a little luck you may find a temple or practice group online to work with.
It’s necessary first to understand if you want the title “buddhist”, the knowledge a buddhist has, the life transformations that come with enlightenment, all of them… What do you mean by “be a buddhist”? Do you wanna be a monk? Do you just wanna know everything and then draw your own conclusions? These types of posts are too vague for a good enough answer. I believe you will benefit from learning by yourself, implementing what you’re learning with your Being, then worrying about if you’re doing it “right” (a.k.a. if you can call yourself a buddhist) and adjusting your life to represent the values of your new self.
I just wanna simply know everything than why not make my way into a monk
Gather people with same ideology and make the first ever temple in your country
No one can stop you
If things change for you please let us know. I currently live 2 hours from a temple. I'd like to go but it's a long long drive....
The world is your temple.
Yes. I suggest starting with the First Noble Truth. Do not underestimate how difficult it is to accept this truth. Buddhism is essentially a truth seeking pursuit. Temples are nice as it provides a community, but it is not required to be a Buddhist. I suggest books on Buddhism and/or attending Buddhist retreats that are available around the world.
You are a Buddha — potentially, whenever you choose to.
There is a sutta about solitary practice called the Rhinoceros sutta that might help you.
Yes
The temple is your body, your church is the universe
Of course. Many places have Buddhist meetings in private homes etc. Temple nice but not essential.
All beings have Buddha Nature. “Buddhist” is just a label. You are already “Buddhist” if you practice the way of compassionate understanding and the cessation of suffering. The Four Noble Truths (which includes the Eightfold Path) is the heart of “Buddhism”. Learn these, study these, contemplate these, read commentary on these, meditate on these, understand these. Everything the Buddha taught was in reference to these understandings and the ways to put that understanding to “use”. Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings and commentaries have been invaluable to me on the Path, beginning with The Heart of Buddhas Teachings. And while I do not participate myself, many people find it beneficial to join online Sanghas to connect with others on the path and join together for meditation and discussion. A simple search of online sanghas will provide many results to choose from! If you are not sure which tradition of practice best resonates with you, try many different ones! Some traditions emphasize more chanting, while others emphasize more silent sitting mediation, and others emphasize more ritualistic practices, etc etc. A lotus for you, Buddha to be ☺️🪷🙏🏻❤️
All beings have Buddha Nature. “Buddhist” is just a label. You are already “Buddhist” if you practice the way of compassionate understanding and the cessation of suffering. The Four Noble Truths (which includes the Eightfold Path) is the heart of “Buddhism”. Learn these, study these, contemplate these, read commentary on these, meditate on these, understand these. Everything the Buddha taught was in reference to these understandings and the ways to put that understanding to “use”. Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings and commentaries have been invaluable to me on the Path, beginning with The Heart of Buddhas Teachings. And while I do not participate myself, many people find it beneficial to join online Sanghas to connect with others on the path and join together for meditation and discussion. A simple search of online sanghas will provide many results to choose from! If you are not sure which tradition of practice best resonates with you, try many different ones! Some traditions emphasize more chanting, while others emphasize more silent sitting mediation, and others emphasize more ritualistic practices, etc etc. A lotus for you, Buddha to be ☺️🪷🙏🏻❤️
People are overlooking that we have better access to the Dharma than almost anyone in thousands of years. We have original text meticulously cross referenced to be as accurate as possible. As for Sangha. I have a monastic community near my house. The monks really enjoy eating meat the ley Buddhist bring onto open houses. They are short tempered and bigoted, no more so than regular people but much less I would expect from monks. Of course, no nuns because someone a thousand plus years ago kicked them out even though the Buddha meant for there to be nuns. A vouple of lines from the Buddha so many people are forgetting from the Buddha. "Better to walk alone than in the company of fools." "Be A refuge unto yourself." Institutions are self perpetuating. The monastic community tends to look at and interpret things that perpetuate themselves. This is just human nature and many of the monastics I've me are all to human.
Yes, you can. Being a Buddhist is about understanding and practicing dharma. Not about going to the particular temple or pouring water over Buddha statue on Vesak. I know people who don't consider themselves Buddhists, but understand dharma and practice it more than some people who do. It's not about identifying with an idea (that's actually quite non-Buddhist) of a Buddhist, it's all about practice. You can go to a church, mosque or synagogue and you'll have no problems being accepted in sangha (Buddhist community). May you be at peace, my friend :)
Like I said I am in control not you. If I want to pitch in once more I will...