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**QzVyZbTg** · 02-24-2012, 01:10 PM

Your understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist appears quite advanced for a beginner - you have definitely been thinking about the path of Buddhism very seriously.

What is right or wrong for a Buddhist is just as you have found out - an action should be judged on whether or not it does any harm, that is produce suffering. When he/she feels ready for it, lay Buddhists, as opposed to monks or nuns, generally commit themselves to 5 precepts, which are 1. to try and refrain from killing, 2. to try and refrain from stealing, 3. to try and refrain from harmful speech such as lying or gossip, 4. to try and refrain from sexual misconduct such as sex with minors or forced on someone against their will or adultery, 5. to try and refrain from taking intoxicants, that is alcohol or drugs.

Anyway to start with just continue to read up on Buddhism in general and post your questions on the forum here then when you think you are ready you might like to look for an offline group or Buddhist centre or temple you could visit to hear teachings from an authentic teacher and mix and get support from his/her students.

02-24-2012, 01:10 PM	#2
QzVyZbTg Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 441 Senior Member	Your understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist appears quite advanced for a beginner - you have definitely been thinking about the path of Buddhism very seriously. What is right or wrong for a Buddhist is just as you have found out - an action should be judged on whether or not it does any harm, that is produce suffering. When he/she feels ready for it, lay Buddhists, as opposed to monks or nuns, generally commit themselves to 5 precepts, which are 1. to try and refrain from killing, 2. to try and refrain from stealing, 3. to try and refrain from harmful speech such as lying or gossip, 4. to try and refrain from sexual misconduct such as sex with minors or forced on someone against their will or adultery, 5. to try and refrain from taking intoxicants, that is alcohol or drugs. Anyway to start with just continue to read up on Buddhism in general and post your questions on the forum here then when you think you are ready you might like to look for an offline group or Buddhist centre or temple you could visit to hear teachings from an authentic teacher and mix and get support from his/her students.
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