I don't want to be a Buddhist. I want to learn from the Buddhist teachings and integrate it with teachings from other traditions such as Taoism, Christian Mysticism, Hinduism, etc.
I took refuge on line/ I do alot alone & I follow theravada buddhism!! I pretty much just apply it to my daily life... I recognize when anger appears & I reflect on something poosative!positive!! I have definitely found my self being much kinder!! For my own merit and others!! I must say I m proud to be a buddhist!! But I'm not the best meditator!mediator!! Thanks 4 the videos!! Namo buddhay
Very nicely done. I didn't realize the triple gem was the method to become Buddhist. I thought there were many rules and such needing to be taken before considered a Buddhist. Thank you for the presentation. Stay safe and well
Good question! The process can vary between the traditions, with ceremonies, etc., for laypersons. The Triple Gem refuge is generally when one wants to mark their intent. Laypersons may take the five precepts as well, and that may be at the same time as the triple gem, or later. For monastics, there are hundreds of precepts they follow, and a variety of ways one becomes ordained [depending on tradition].
@@AlanPeto Being I follow a few Buddhist channels on RUclips with different teachers and traditions, i conflate many of their particular traits with each other. Many seem to have the 5 percepts when they mention what a Buddhist needs to do in their daily routine. Taking refuge in the triple gem seems much easier.
Ah OK, I understand your question. The Five Precepts are the basic layperson precepts. In Mahayana, which can also eventually advance to the Bodhisattva Precepts. However, the Triple Gem refuge is you might consider the 'entry' level for when one becomes a Buddhist. Interestingly, this does not necessarily mean you need to take the Five Precepts right away. A layperson is on a different path than an ordained monastic, so it can be nuanced among the traditions. So, a lay-Buddhist need not necessarily take or abide in the Five Precepts. This sounds a bit contradictory but a lay-Buddhist will be coming in at various levels (so to speak) of acceptance, knowledge, and faith, whereas an ordained Monastic has decided to go "all-in" with the religion and will take on hundreds of precepts (among giving up the worldly/householder life of a layperson). But, generally, the triple gem refuge is when you want to become a Buddhist ("officially"), and the Five Precepts would be your next step. However, there can often be a combined Triple Gem & Five Precepts ceremony. You may take whatever level you feel comfortable with as a layperson.
@@AlanPetothank you for your detailed explanation. Being a lay person, I watch the different traditions without a strong understanding of any individual one'. For your spending time providing a response I am very grateful. I will further investigate your previous videos with a strong sense of personal appreciation on my part. Thank you and may others find your work as beneficial to their practice as I have.
I became Buddhist in the Theravada tradition. And spent a total of six months in southeast Asia most of my time spent at amazing temples and talking with English speaking monks in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia and attending chants. I went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and took the Five Precepts at a Khmer Krom Theravada Temple in Canada with the head abbot monk of the temple and another monk. The temple is supported by immigrant families from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and parts of Vietnam, and Myanmar. The language I used in Going for Refuge and taking Five Precepts is Pali.
I have heard of been a lay follower of the Buddha, I take it this is what you are becoming when you take the triple gem vow, and that monasticism is another kind of of vow or commitment ?
Yes, takkng the Triple Gem is the moment one becomes a "Buddhist". There are different traditions that have different views on this, but that is the general point where one moves from just observing Buddhism to wanting to put their faith in it and move along the path to enlightenment. Monastics are part of the Triple Gem. So, lay-Buddhists put their faith in the Triple Gem, which includes monastics. However, monastics go beyond that as they are the religious figures in our religion. They take ordination and vows specific to becoming a monastic. There are different traditions, and each have their own unique style so to speak. Lay-Buddhists, and monastics, in Mahayana may and can take Bodhisattva Precepts/Vows as well, as the Mahayana path is the path of the Bodhisattva. In both branches, there is the Five Precepts, which one can take when taking refuge in the Triple Gem, or later.
I became a lay Buddhist (a “Upãsaka”) in the Theravada tradition. And spent a total of six months in southeast Asia. Most of my time spent at amazing temples and talking with English speaking monks in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia and attending chants. I also visited amazing temples in Bangkok) I went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and took the Five Precepts at a Khmer Krom Theravada Temple in Canada with the head abbot monk of the temple and another monk. The temple is supported by immigrant families from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and parts of Vietnam, and Myanmar. The language I used in Going for Refuge and taking Five Precepts is Pali, as in the following video. Theravada Buddhism tends to use Pali, while Mahayana and Vajrayana tend to use Sanskrit or vernacular. My ceremony was the same as this, but in a temple, and the head abbot monk was from southeast Asia. ruclips.net/video/_o9ScjUn2Ec/видео.html
What happens if you take Refuge, but never practice or have gone beyond being interested in reading about it. My preceptor said that taking the refuge vow, but not taking it seriously means we aren't really Buddhist.
Great question! It's common and acceptable to be an "observer" of Buddhism, meaning you are interested, learning about it, and maybe even practicing a little, but you haven't made up your mind yet if you want to take refuge. Refuge is where you are ready to put your faith in the support of the Buddha, his teachings, and his monastic community (or, communities nowadays). But let's say you take refuge but don't do anything afterwards. You can look at it two ways. First, you're still a Buddhist if you believe in the Triple Gem, and have faith in it. There are plenty of Buddhists who have various levels of involvement with "being" a Buddhist. This is not only common, but human as well (something the Buddha understood well). But the second way to look at it is that this human life is rare and precious and best way to learn the Dharma (Buddha's teachings) and practice it! But, again, the Buddha realized that everyone is at different stages. So, that desire to practice is key (and there are many ways to do this). Then again, it's nothing to overthink if you haven't been practicing a while. While, yes, it is not 'helping' that you are not practicing...the impact is primarily on you. You'll find that Buddhists ebb and flow sometimes (again, a human trait) and that's why there are so many different ceremonies, rituals, classes, holidays, etc., to help us humans with not only practicing but keeping that spark of interest in continuing down the path.
Hi Debdas! Your first step would be to see if you would like to be a Buddhist. Take your time! You can listen to talks by monks and nuns, read books, etc. I would recommend trying to find a temple near you (if possible) and interact that way. It's OK to be "observing" Buddhism while interacting with the services, classes, etc. When you are ready, there are often "Triple Gem Refuge" ceremonies at temples (sometimes online) where you "officically" become a Buddhist. Again, you don't have to do this right away but when you are ready. alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/
@@AlanPeto Thank you sir, but online exception I have no way the monk and spiritual teacher and guide, I fully apprroch the Buddha Dharma. I am Indian and BR Ambedkar followers. There many problems in social and religious, I think this dharma for solutions of the problems. Can you solve my problems. If you contact me ather media I will appreciate.
Here are some options for you: You can take the Triple Gem refuge at home, by yourself. There is no mandatory requirement to take it in a temple or before a monastic, however that's the regular way to do it (because the Triple Gem includes the Sangha, or monastic community, as one of the gems). You can sometimes find temples or groups offering the Triple Gem "online". There is too many groups and temples out there to help me narrow it down for you, but if you found one you like and connect with...you might see them post about this (or you can ask). Easiest way is to search for a temple or group on social media and go from there. Just make sure it is an actual Buddhist organization teaching correctly. I would also like to point out there is no rush - you can very much be "learning" about Buddhism while still practicing. This is very normal. Books and videos might be your best bet right now, and there are many Buddhist monastics who have written books and also have videos up here on RUclips. Eventually, you will be able to find a branch of Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) and a tradition within them you wish to follow. That way you will be focused on the path you'd like to take.
hi Alan, enjoy your videos and hope you can help me. I am from California, but have been living in Thailand for the last 20 years. For the last 3 years, I live in Chiang Mai. I have been searching but cannot find a "Sanga" or group of any kind that I can join or take part in. Things are very quiet here because of Covid, and all the Temples are empty. I cannot seem to find any kind of "group" that I can join with for support. Can you help me in any way?
Hi James! I don't personally know of any personally, but you may want to search the World Buddhist Directory to see if there are any there: www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
My personal life is quite cramped and I probably don’t have time for classes nor to go to a temple. What would be the absolute proper way of taking the triple gem at home? Is it alright to use a picture of buddha on the phone of should i buy a statue/framed picture?
You can take it virtually with my video here: ruclips.net/video/fuJ8FRKSGIg/видео.html , and then you can always take it again with whatever Buddhist tradition and temple you join.
"It depends". At the most fundamental level, no, it does not matter. That being said, you're taking refuge in the Sangha. So, yes, that can be taken broadly, but it's usually more specific to the teacher and monastic community you're taking refuge in. Do you have a Mahayana temple or teacher you are following?
The Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) that explains that we are experiencing Dukkha, the cause of Dukkha, the revelation that Dukkha can be ended, and the path to ending Dukkha. This is the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
Thankyou for your wisdom, you have done so much for me. Have a great day
I took refuge in the triple gem and believe in Buddhism. I follow Mahayana Buddhism.
I don't want to be a Buddhist. I want to learn from the Buddhist teachings and integrate it with teachings from other traditions such as Taoism, Christian Mysticism, Hinduism, etc.
I took refuge on line/ I do alot alone & I follow theravada buddhism!! I pretty much just apply it to my daily life... I recognize when anger appears & I reflect on something poosative!positive!! I have definitely found my self being much kinder!! For my own merit and others!! I must say I m proud to be a buddhist!! But I'm not the best meditator!mediator!! Thanks 4 the videos!! Namo buddhay
Congratulations! 🙏
Thank you
Very nicely done.
I didn't realize the triple gem was the method to become Buddhist.
I thought there were many rules and such needing to be taken before considered a Buddhist.
Thank you for the presentation.
Stay safe and well
Good question! The process can vary between the traditions, with ceremonies, etc., for laypersons. The Triple Gem refuge is generally when one wants to mark their intent. Laypersons may take the five precepts as well, and that may be at the same time as the triple gem, or later. For monastics, there are hundreds of precepts they follow, and a variety of ways one becomes ordained [depending on tradition].
@@AlanPeto Being I follow a few Buddhist channels on RUclips with different teachers and traditions, i conflate many of their particular traits with each other.
Many seem to have the 5 percepts when they mention what a Buddhist needs to do in their daily routine.
Taking refuge in the triple gem seems much easier.
Ah OK, I understand your question. The Five Precepts are the basic layperson precepts. In Mahayana, which can also eventually advance to the Bodhisattva Precepts. However, the Triple Gem refuge is you might consider the 'entry' level for when one becomes a Buddhist. Interestingly, this does not necessarily mean you need to take the Five Precepts right away. A layperson is on a different path than an ordained monastic, so it can be nuanced among the traditions. So, a lay-Buddhist need not necessarily take or abide in the Five Precepts.
This sounds a bit contradictory but a lay-Buddhist will be coming in at various levels (so to speak) of acceptance, knowledge, and faith, whereas an ordained Monastic has decided to go "all-in" with the religion and will take on hundreds of precepts (among giving up the worldly/householder life of a layperson). But, generally, the triple gem refuge is when you want to become a Buddhist ("officially"), and the Five Precepts would be your next step. However, there can often be a combined Triple Gem & Five Precepts ceremony. You may take whatever level you feel comfortable with as a layperson.
@@AlanPetothank you for your detailed explanation.
Being a lay person, I watch the different traditions without a strong understanding of any individual one'.
For your spending time providing a response I am very grateful. I will further investigate your previous videos with a strong sense of personal appreciation on my part.
Thank you and may others find your work as beneficial to their practice as I have.
I became Buddhist in the Theravada tradition. And spent a total of six months in southeast Asia most of my time spent at amazing temples and talking with English speaking monks in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia and attending chants. I went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and took the Five Precepts at a Khmer Krom Theravada Temple in Canada with the head abbot monk of the temple and another monk. The temple is supported by immigrant families from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and parts of Vietnam, and Myanmar. The language I used in Going for Refuge and taking Five Precepts is Pali.
I have heard of been a lay follower of the Buddha, I take it this is what you are becoming when you take the triple gem vow, and that monasticism is another kind of of vow or commitment ?
Yes, takkng the Triple Gem is the moment one becomes a "Buddhist". There are different traditions that have different views on this, but that is the general point where one moves from just observing Buddhism to wanting to put their faith in it and move along the path to enlightenment. Monastics are part of the Triple Gem. So, lay-Buddhists put their faith in the Triple Gem, which includes monastics. However, monastics go beyond that as they are the religious figures in our religion. They take ordination and vows specific to becoming a monastic. There are different traditions, and each have their own unique style so to speak. Lay-Buddhists, and monastics, in Mahayana may and can take Bodhisattva Precepts/Vows as well, as the Mahayana path is the path of the Bodhisattva. In both branches, there is the Five Precepts, which one can take when taking refuge in the Triple Gem, or later.
I became a lay Buddhist (a “Upãsaka”) in the Theravada tradition. And spent a total of six months in southeast Asia. Most of my time spent at amazing temples and talking with English speaking monks in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia and attending chants. I also visited amazing temples in Bangkok)
I went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and took the Five Precepts at a Khmer Krom Theravada Temple in Canada with the head abbot monk of the temple and another monk. The temple is supported by immigrant families from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and parts of Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The language I used in Going for Refuge and taking Five Precepts is Pali, as in the following video. Theravada Buddhism tends to use Pali, while Mahayana and Vajrayana tend to use Sanskrit or vernacular.
My ceremony was the same as this, but in a temple, and the head abbot monk was from southeast Asia. ruclips.net/video/_o9ScjUn2Ec/видео.html
That's great, Robert! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and experience.
sadhu !🌷🙏🙏🙏
Extremely clear and concise! Thank you for your presentation!
Exceptional vid. Very informative. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
🙏
What happens if you take Refuge, but never practice or have gone beyond being interested in reading about it. My preceptor said that taking the refuge vow, but not taking it seriously means we aren't really Buddhist.
Great question! It's common and acceptable to be an "observer" of Buddhism, meaning you are interested, learning about it, and maybe even practicing a little, but you haven't made up your mind yet if you want to take refuge. Refuge is where you are ready to put your faith in the support of the Buddha, his teachings, and his monastic community (or, communities nowadays). But let's say you take refuge but don't do anything afterwards. You can look at it two ways. First, you're still a Buddhist if you believe in the Triple Gem, and have faith in it. There are plenty of Buddhists who have various levels of involvement with "being" a Buddhist. This is not only common, but human as well (something the Buddha understood well). But the second way to look at it is that this human life is rare and precious and best way to learn the Dharma (Buddha's teachings) and practice it! But, again, the Buddha realized that everyone is at different stages. So, that desire to practice is key (and there are many ways to do this). Then again, it's nothing to overthink if you haven't been practicing a while. While, yes, it is not 'helping' that you are not practicing...the impact is primarily on you. You'll find that Buddhists ebb and flow sometimes (again, a human trait) and that's why there are so many different ceremonies, rituals, classes, holidays, etc., to help us humans with not only practicing but keeping that spark of interest in continuing down the path.
I really enjoy your videos 😊 thank you for sharing
Thank you Tiara!
Sir How can I join Buddhism regligion?
Hi Debdas! Your first step would be to see if you would like to be a Buddhist. Take your time! You can listen to talks by monks and nuns, read books, etc. I would recommend trying to find a temple near you (if possible) and interact that way. It's OK to be "observing" Buddhism while interacting with the services, classes, etc. When you are ready, there are often "Triple Gem Refuge" ceremonies at temples (sometimes online) where you "officically" become a Buddhist. Again, you don't have to do this right away but when you are ready. alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/
@@AlanPeto Thank you sir, but online exception I have no way the monk and spiritual teacher and guide, I fully apprroch the Buddha Dharma. I am Indian and BR Ambedkar followers. There many problems in social and religious, I think this dharma for solutions of the problems. Can you solve my problems.
If you contact me ather media I will appreciate.
Here are some options for you: You can take the Triple Gem refuge at home, by yourself. There is no mandatory requirement to take it in a temple or before a monastic, however that's the regular way to do it (because the Triple Gem includes the Sangha, or monastic community, as one of the gems). You can sometimes find temples or groups offering the Triple Gem "online". There is too many groups and temples out there to help me narrow it down for you, but if you found one you like and connect with...you might see them post about this (or you can ask). Easiest way is to search for a temple or group on social media and go from there. Just make sure it is an actual Buddhist organization teaching correctly. I would also like to point out there is no rush - you can very much be "learning" about Buddhism while still practicing. This is very normal. Books and videos might be your best bet right now, and there are many Buddhist monastics who have written books and also have videos up here on RUclips. Eventually, you will be able to find a branch of Buddhism (Theravada or Mahayana) and a tradition within them you wish to follow. That way you will be focused on the path you'd like to take.
Excellent video as always
Thanks Mike! Good hearing from you.
nicely done
hi Alan, enjoy your videos and hope you can help me. I am from California, but have been living in Thailand for the last 20 years. For the last 3 years, I live in Chiang Mai. I have been searching but cannot find a "Sanga" or group of any kind that I can join or take part in. Things are very quiet here because of Covid, and all the Temples are empty. I cannot seem to find any kind of "group" that I can join with for support. Can you help me in any way?
Hi James! I don't personally know of any personally, but you may want to search the World Buddhist Directory to see if there are any there: www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
My personal life is quite cramped and I probably don’t have time for classes nor to go to a temple. What would be the absolute proper way of taking the triple gem at home? Is it alright to use a picture of buddha on the phone of should i buy a statue/framed picture?
You can take it virtually with my video here: ruclips.net/video/fuJ8FRKSGIg/видео.html , and then you can always take it again with whatever Buddhist tradition and temple you join.
Does it matter what Buddhist tradition the ceremony is held/taken in? If I am studying say Mahayana but the only temple near me is Theravada?
"It depends". At the most fundamental level, no, it does not matter. That being said, you're taking refuge in the Sangha. So, yes, that can be taken broadly, but it's usually more specific to the teacher and monastic community you're taking refuge in. Do you have a Mahayana temple or teacher you are following?
What is 'truth' in Buddhism?
The Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) that explains that we are experiencing Dukkha, the cause of Dukkha, the revelation that Dukkha can be ended, and the path to ending Dukkha. This is the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.