<p>Buddhism is by practice. There is no conversion.</p>

<p>When you take refuge in the Triple Gem you take refuge in the qualities of Buddha, Dhamma and Sanga through this now has turned into a ceremonial outlook.</p>

<p>You can call your self a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc. but still practice Buddhism as at the core of the Buddhist practice is Vipassana. This can be done by any one. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-03T14:35:57.060Z
2014-08-03T14:35:57.060Z
Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena
<p>For me personally, things really changed once I joined a sangha. I view the joining of a sangha (Taking Refuge in the sangha) as the moment I became a Zen Buddhist.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-29T12:46:11.217Z
2014-08-29T12:46:11.217Z
Thien
<ol>
<li>You can practice Buddhism without converting.  </li>
<li>You convert to Buddhism by reciting the Three Refuges and the Five Noble Precepts.</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-06T02:40:17.653Z
2018-01-06T02:40:17.653Z
Chozang
<p>In my view, you become &quot;Buddhist&quot; when you willingly make a promise--any promise--to the Buddha that you would feel guilty or uncomfortable breaking.</p>
<p>It could be that you, maybe, look at a Buddha statue and promise to meditate at sunrise every day for a month (for example).  It doesn't matter if you believe the Buddha-nature is &quot;real&quot; or not.  It doesn't matter if you believe the statue is sacred (it isn't) or that ghost of Shakyamuni hears you (he doesn't).  But if, when you wake up the next morning, you think, &quot;I must face the sunrise, close my eyes, practice deep breathing... I promised!&quot; then you are, arguably, a very devout practicing Buddhist.</p>
<p>Buddhism isn't about what the Buddha can do to help you.  It's what you can do to become the Buddha.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-09-24T00:51:39.063Z
2020-09-24T00:51:39.063Z
bodhisattva viewing equality
<p>First of all, there isn't one agreed upon definition about when you are truely a Buddhist. Some people say you are a Buddhist if you consider yourself to be one, others say you need at least several years training from an acknowledged Buddhist teacher. </p>

<p>Personally I like the view of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzongsar_Jamyang_Khyentse_Rinpoche" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche</a> who has written a book on the topic called "<a href="http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1590305701" rel="nofollow noreferrer">What Makes You Not a Buddhist</a>":</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>It’s whether you agree with the four fundamental discoveries the Buddha made under the Bodhi tree, and if you do, you can call yourself a Buddhist (<a href="http://www.lionsroar.com/what-makes-you-a-buddhist/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">ref</a>).</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you want to mark your decision to become a Buddhist you can '<a href="http://viewonbuddhism.org/refuge.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">take refuge</a>'. This ceremony or commitment can be found in many Buddhist traditions. More info also <a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/1972/408">here</a></p>

<p>Anyone can become a Buddhist or you can just practice without any formal conversion. You do not need to give up Hinduism. To quote Khenpo Kartar Rinpoche:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>... it is not necessary to give up any religious affiliation to practice Buddhism unless that religion demands actions that contradict Buddhist principles. .... Also, it is not generally necessary to change your diet, dress or relationships, though some people choose to do so. (<a href="http://www.rigdzindharma.org/refuge.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">ref</a>).</p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-06T02:41:22.270Z
The view that you need several years of training from an acknowledged Buddhist teacher is not found in the Buddha's teachings.

The Buddha defined a Buddhist as one who has taken the Three Refuges.
Chozang
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-03T14:38:22.670Z
The book 'What makes you not a Buddhist' is indeed amazing. I would recommend it to all the people interested in Buddhism.
Rabbit
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-07-10T10:41:54.950Z
2015-02-10T20:27:41.617Z
2017-04-13T12:51:05.990Z
THelper
<p>Ceremonially, you can take Refuge. In many traditions, this is the entry or acknowledgement of being dedicated to being a better person.</p>

<p>Kagyu.org has this very nice talk from Kalu Rinpoche about what taking Refuge is and the Three Jewels:  <a href="http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/buddhism/bec/bec04.php">http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/buddhism/bec/bec04.php</a></p>

<p>It finishes with this wonderful thought:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>It should be understood that the taking of refuge is not a process whereby the Buddha takes those who appear to have devotion to him and leads them to his side. Through taking refuge, one begins a process oneself which, going through various stages, will lead to one's own realization of the same state, the same experience as the Buddha.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>And I believe Buddhism is open to all, with some gray areas around the insane and mentally handicapped.  If you are not in "your right mind", it is difficult to understand deeply what Buddhism is.  That is probably a different question though.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-07-10T11:50:11.150Z
2014-07-10T11:50:11.150Z
Richard Morgan
<p>Conversion into Buddhism from a Zen Buddhist perspective, initially requires the initiate to take refuge into the “Triple Jewels” in a formal ceremony headed by a religious leader.</p>

<p>The “Triple Jewels” consist of three things: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.  </p>

<p>This <a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1972/what-is-the-proper-understanding-of-taking-refuge-in-buddhism">link</a> on Buddhism Stackexchange explores the nuances of “taking refuge” into the “Triple Jewels” from various Buddhist perspectives.</p>

<p>In Zen Buddhism, which includes the Mahayana Buddhist traditions of East Asia the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Gems" rel="nofollow noreferrer">following vows</a> for taking refuge are used:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing for all sentient beings to
  understand the great Way profoundly and make the greatest resolve.</p>
  
  <p>I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing for all sentient beings to delve
  deeply into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutta_Pitaka" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Sutra Pitaka</a>, causing their wisdom to be as broad
  as the sea.</p>
  
  <p>I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings to lead the
  congregation in harmony, entirely without obstruction.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>After the initial ceremony, the initiate follows the basic tenets of Buddhism by applying them to their circumstances along with various forms of meditation.  However, the Zen Buddhist tradition generally considers the terms: Buddhist, Buddhism, and Triple Jewels as methods to help the initiate along the path to enlightenment but are not an end in themselves.<a href="https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1972/what-is-the-proper-understanding-of-taking-refuge-in-buddhism">1</a>  So, converting to Buddhism from the Zen Buddhist tradition is more about starting a life long process rather than being a member of an <em>in-group</em> versus an <em>out-group</em>.</p>

<ol>
<li><a href="http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0767903323" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Buddhism Plain and Simple</a> by Steve Hagen</li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-07-10T14:42:03.427Z
2014-07-11T04:39:18.430Z
2017-04-13T12:51:05.990Z
DharmaEater
<p>It depends. I suggest you study the essential points of Buddhist teaching, especially the teaching on the three characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self, and the teaching on dependent origination. These teachings are incompatible with some ideas in Hinduism (Hinduism is very diverse, so I don't think there is always contradiction.) </p>

<p>The main ideas that are common in Hinduism which conflict with Buddhism is the teaching of Brahman, an absolute reality which all of the world derives from. That doesn't fit, and it would also be problematic if you believe that the Gods are eternal beings who have always existed and always will exist. However, if you just have love for the Gods and feel devotion towards them and preform Pujas to them, from a Buddhist perspective there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that. In the time of the Buddha people venerated all sorts of beings, even including Yakshas and Nagas and the Buddha never spoke against it or forbade his followers from it, and in South East Asia today, some Hindu Gods (such as Brahma and Ganesh) are worshiped by faithful Buddhists and no one thinks there's a problem with it.</p>

<p>If you don't feel a contradiction, by all means, consider yourself to be both a Buddhist and a Hindu. The Buddha himself had lay followers who where Brahmin priests and it wasn't a problem.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-12-17T06:54:19.697Z
"The main ideas that are common in Hinduism which conflict with Buddhism is the teaching of Brahman, an absolute reality which all of the world derives from." What if I say, by absolute reality, they really meant the infinite space and the real nature of existence? Maybe it was misunderstood by the later Brahmins as a Supreme being or God.
Gokul NC
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-29T12:16:49.480Z
2014-08-29T12:16:49.480Z
Bakmoon
<p>I am a Hindu, but I like Buddhism. How does that work? Does one need to convert to practice Buddhism? If so, how does one convert to Buddhism? Can anyone convert to Buddhism? Or can I just practice without converting?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-07-11T03:58:32.177Z
I've combined your comment with your question; I hope that works.
yuttadhammo
<belief><conversion>
How does conversion work in Buddhism?
# How does conversion work in Buddhism?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-07-10)

I am a Hindu, but I like Buddhism. How does that work? Does one need to convert to practice Buddhism? If so, how does one convert to Buddhism? Can anyone convert to Buddhism? Or can I just practice without converting?

**Tags:** belief, conversion

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I've combined your comment with your question; I hope that works.  

---

## 8 answers

### Answer by username_6 on 2014-07-10. Score: 16 | Accepted answer

First of all, there isn't one agreed upon definition about when you are truely a Buddhist. Some people say you are a Buddhist if you consider yourself to be one, others say you need at least several years training from an acknowledged Buddhist teacher.

Personally I like the view of [Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzongsar_Jamyang_Khyentse_Rinpoche) who has written a book on the topic called "[What Makes You Not a Buddhist](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1590305701)":

> It’s whether you agree with the four fundamental discoveries the Buddha made under the Bodhi tree, and if you do, you can call yourself a Buddhist ([ref](http://www.lionsroar.com/what-makes-you-a-buddhist/)).

If you want to mark your decision to become a Buddhist you can '[take refuge](http://viewonbuddhism.org/refuge.html)'. This ceremony or commitment can be found in many Buddhist traditions. More info also [here](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/1972/408)

Anyone can become a Buddhist or you can just practice without any formal conversion. You do not need to give up Hinduism. To quote Khenpo Kartar Rinpoche:

> ... it is not necessary to give up any religious affiliation to practice Buddhism unless that religion demands actions that contradict Buddhist principles. .... Also, it is not generally necessary to change your diet, dress or relationships, though some people choose to do so. ([ref](http://www.rigdzindharma.org/refuge.html)).

> **Comments:**
> **username_7**: The book 'What makes you not a Buddhist' is indeed amazing. I would recommend it to all the people interested in Buddhism.  
> **username_4**: The view that you need several years of training from an acknowledged Buddhist teacher is not found in the Buddha's teachings.  The Buddha defined a Buddhist as one who has taken the Three Refuges.  

---

### Answer by username_8 on 2014-07-10. Score: 6

Ceremonially, you can take Refuge. In many traditions, this is the entry or acknowledgement of being dedicated to being a better person.

Kagyu.org has this very nice talk from Kalu Rinpoche about what taking Refuge is and the Three Jewels: <http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/buddhism/bec/bec04.php>

It finishes with this wonderful thought:

> It should be understood that the taking of refuge is not a process whereby the Buddha takes those who appear to have devotion to him and leads them to his side. Through taking refuge, one begins a process oneself which, going through various stages, will lead to one's own realization of the same state, the same experience as the Buddha.

And I believe Buddhism is open to all, with some gray areas around the insane and mentally handicapped. If you are not in "your right mind", it is difficult to understand deeply what Buddhism is. That is probably a different question though.


---

### Answer by username_9 on 2014-07-10. Score: 5

Conversion into Buddhism from a Zen Buddhist perspective, initially requires the initiate to take refuge into the “Triple Jewels” in a formal ceremony headed by a religious leader.

The “Triple Jewels” consist of three things: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

This [link](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1972/what-is-the-proper-understanding-of-taking-refuge-in-buddhism) on Buddhism Stackexchange explores the nuances of “taking refuge” into the “Triple Jewels” from various Buddhist perspectives.

In Zen Buddhism, which includes the Mahayana Buddhist traditions of East Asia the [following vows](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Gems) for taking refuge are used:

> I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing for all sentient beings to
> understand the great Way profoundly and make the greatest resolve.
>
> I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing for all sentient beings to delve
> deeply into the [Sutra Pitaka](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutta_Pitaka), causing their wisdom to be as broad
> as the sea.
>
> I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings to lead the
> congregation in harmony, entirely without obstruction.

After the initial ceremony, the initiate follows the basic tenets of Buddhism by applying them to their circumstances along with various forms of meditation. However, the Zen Buddhist tradition generally considers the terms: Buddhist, Buddhism, and Triple Jewels as methods to help the initiate along the path to enlightenment but are not an end in themselves.[1](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/1972/what-is-the-proper-understanding-of-taking-refuge-in-buddhism) So, converting to Buddhism from the Zen Buddhist tradition is more about starting a life long process rather than being a member of an *in-group* versus an *out-group*.

1. [Buddhism Plain and Simple](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0767903323) by Steve Hagen


---

### Answer by username_10 on 2014-08-29. Score: 3

It depends. I suggest you study the essential points of Buddhist teaching, especially the teaching on the three characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self, and the teaching on dependent origination. These teachings are incompatible with some ideas in Hinduism (Hinduism is very diverse, so I don't think there is always contradiction.)

The main ideas that are common in Hinduism which conflict with Buddhism is the teaching of Brahman, an absolute reality which all of the world derives from. That doesn't fit, and it would also be problematic if you believe that the Gods are eternal beings who have always existed and always will exist. However, if you just have love for the Gods and feel devotion towards them and preform Pujas to them, from a Buddhist perspective there is nothing intrinsically wrong with that. In the time of the Buddha people venerated all sorts of beings, even including Yakshas and Nagas and the Buddha never spoke against it or forbade his followers from it, and in South East Asia today, some Hindu Gods (such as Brahma and Ganesh) are worshiped by faithful Buddhists and no one thinks there's a problem with it.

If you don't feel a contradiction, by all means, consider yourself to be both a Buddhist and a Hindu. The Buddha himself had lay followers who where Brahmin priests and it wasn't a problem.

> **Comments:**
> **username_11**: "The main ideas that are common in Hinduism which conflict with Buddhism is the teaching of Brahman, an absolute reality which all of the world derives from." What if I say, by absolute reality, they really meant the infinite space and the real nature of existence? Maybe it was misunderstood by the later Brahmins as a Supreme being or God.  

---

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-08-03. Score: 2

Buddhism is by practice. There is no conversion.

When you take refuge in the Triple Gem you take refuge in the qualities of Buddha, Dhamma and Sanga through this now has turned into a ceremonial outlook.

You can call your self a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc. but still practice Buddhism as at the core of the Buddhist practice is Vipassana. This can be done by any one.


---

### Answer by username_3 on 2014-08-29. Score: 1

For me personally, things really changed once I joined a sangha. I view the joining of a sangha (Taking Refuge in the sangha) as the moment I became a Zen Buddhist.


---

### Answer by username_4 on 2018-01-06. Score: 0

1. You can practice Buddhism without converting.
2. You convert to Buddhism by reciting the Three Refuges and the Five Noble Precepts.


---

### Answer by username_5 on 2020-09-24. Score: 0

In my view, you become "Buddhist" when you willingly make a promise--any promise--to the Buddha that you would feel guilty or uncomfortable breaking.

It could be that you, maybe, look at a Buddha statue and promise to meditate at sunrise every day for a month (for example). It doesn't matter if you believe the Buddha-nature is "real" or not. It doesn't matter if you believe the statue is sacred (it isn't) or that ghost of Shakyamuni hears you (he doesn't). But if, when you wake up the next morning, you think, "I must face the sunrise, close my eyes, practice deep breathing... I promised!" then you are, arguably, a very devout practicing Buddhist.

Buddhism isn't about what the Buddha can do to help you. It's what you can do to become the Buddha.


---

