[Gymnfacymoota]

Hi,

I've read loads of stories about how Buddha become to be. That he put his past life behind him. Left his palace, wife and child. Showing that to gain something you must first lose everything. Now I'm not planning on losing anything but the 6 years or so that he spent meditating and putting his body through unimaginable amounts of pain and stress.

Now I'm quite new still to Buddhism, so I was wondering. To become a Buddhist do we have to give up some things in our life? Meditate nearly every waking second a day? Are these the tasks/rituals we must part-take in? This may sound quite stupid, but I do not understand. How is one fully a Buddhist?

Edward.

[Creelaleps]

Hi

To become a Buddha you have to give up all your attachments to everything, that dont mean you have to sell all you own or something like that. But if you want to become Enlighten/ Buddha you have to follow the four noble truths and also follow the 8 folded path not only follow it, but understand the meaning of it too.

This is called to Cultivate Buddhism.
this is only my own understanding of some parts to become a Buddha.

I wish you luck

the thinker

[Nfxutkpa]

Thank you for a quick and helpful reply. I wish you the best.

Edward

[anenselog]

Hi Edward,

My two cents given from my perspective...

The word Buddha (in it's simple translation means) "awakened". So anyone that is a Buddha is one who's mind has awakened to understand the way things really are.

I think one can definitely practice the Buddha's teachings and still be totally engaged in terms of the way we live. As was mentioned, we are trying to rid ourselves from attachment, but not only to material things but also to our own habits, the "stories" we create, the labels we give and even the views that we hold.

I think many people view the monks life as the way to do so and while it may have some advantages I think it certainly has its own limitations at the same time. True renunciation begins in the mind.

Terma

[lmHVYs8e]

Terma's advice is very good. I think you have to decide hiow you want to live your life and then practise awakening in that context.

For me in the early days I was propelled towards monasticism through disappointment and aversion to my life, over time training the mind I began to see it wasn't my outer circumstances causing the problem but the mind. Once you learn that you can practise in any circumstance, make the most of any circumstance.

I used to think following in the footsteps of the Buddha was the way, but really what he realised was something here and now not something that necessarily requires abandoning ones life.

[Petwrenny]

Well said, Goofaholix!

Terma

[Misespimb]

Left his palace, wife and child. Showing that to gain something you must first lose everything.

hi Goughy

i think it is more accurate to hold that the buddha did not actually lose anything. if we think we will be losing something by giving it up then i would suggest to not give it up. the buddha did not lose anything. when he gave up his palace, wife & child, he did not want these things anymore because, for him, they could not bring him happiness

Now I'm not planning on losing anything but the 6 years or so that he spent meditating and putting his body through unimaginable amounts of pain and stress. again, this view is not accurate. the Prince spent 6 years searching for the path. when he meditated for six years, for most of that time, it was wrong meditation. but when he discovered the Path and became Buddha, his disciples only meditated for a short time before they gained enlightenment. for some of his disciples, it is reported their enlightenment required 7 days of meditation rather than 6 years of meditation

Now I'm quite new still to Buddhism, so I was wondering. To become a Buddhist do we have to give up some things in our life? Meditate nearly every waking second a day? Are these the tasks/rituals we must part-take in? This may sound quite stupid, but I do not understand. How is one fully a Buddhist yes, you sound new. if you are very motivated to end suffering. i.e., find the here-&-now peace of Nirvana, then generally, taking a period of time out, such as one year, to meditate most of the day, i would recommend. but, as i mentioned, if we feel we are giving up something then we may not be ready for serious practise

to be a Buddhist, there is both the life of a serious meditator, such as a monk, and the life of a layperson. if we are lay people then Buddhism offers many ways of skilful living which allow the everyday lay person to live a far happier & far less problematic life . often it is said one is fully a Buddhist is one at least follows the five precepts

warm regards

element

[khjhkfggt]

hi Goughy

i think it is more accurate to hold that the buddha did not actually lose anything. if we think we will be losing something by giving it up then i would suggest to not give it up. the buddha did not lose anything. when he gave up his palace, wife & child, he did not want these things anymore because, for him, they could not bring him happiness


again, this view is not accurate. the Prince spent 6 years searching for the path. when he meditated for six years, for most of that time, it was wrong meditation. but when he discovered the Path and became Buddha, his disciples only meditated for a short time before they gained enlightenment. for some of his disciples, it is reported their enlightenment required 7 days of meditation rather than 6 years of meditation


yes, you sound new. if you are very motivated to end suffering. i.e., find the here-&-now peace of Nirvana, then generally, taking a period of time out, such as one year, to meditate most of the day, i would recommend. but, as i mentioned, if we feel we are giving up something then we may not be ready for serious practise

to be a Buddhist, there is both the life of a serious meditator, such as a monk, and the life of a layperson. if we are lay people then Buddhism offers many ways of skilful living which allow the everyday lay person to live a far happier & far less problematic life . often it is said one is fully a Buddhist is one at least follows the five precepts

warm regards

element

Hi Element,
I disagree almost entirely with all 3 parts of your post and a few other statements.

IMHO TO BE A BUDDHA you DO have to give up all your wordly possessions and any attachment you may have had toward them. You WILL have to abandon those who love you to pursue your path to enlightenment. And isolating yourself for a year is NOT going to be enough time to allow for enlightenment. No meditation is considered WRONG, it all leads us to the path. It's how we eventually arrive.



Goughyyy -
Specifically I'd like to ask you - do you want to be a Buddhist or a Buddha?

It makes a difference.

[QysnZWB4]

Hello Goughyy,

To become a Buddhist do we have to give up some things in our life?

We have to give up clinging and craving; the illusion of a self.

Meditate nearly every waking second a day? For meditation the best is to look for personal instruction, attending a teacher with a group of practitioners.

If a teacher is not available give a look at the Study Links section where are some resources to get started with meditation.

Explore meditation and, after exploring it, sit any time you feel you need to do it until it becomes an important aspect of the practice.

How is one fully a Buddhist? When one follows the instructions given by Buddha with absolute confidence.

[Cucoulkrory]

Now I'm quite new still to Buddhism, so I was wondering. To become a Buddhist do we have to give up some things in our life? Meditate nearly every waking second a day? Are these the tasks/rituals we must part-take in? This may sound quite stupid, but I do not understand. How is one fully a Buddhist?

Edward.

Hi Edward,

If we are lay practitioners with jobs and maybe family commitments too, we start exactly where we are and just take one step at a time. Its a good idea to study the core teachings of the historical Buddha and to try to follow the 5 precepts. Five to ten minutes meditation twice daily is also fine to begin with.

Its not necessary to take part in rituals. However, when one is confident about the teachings one can take Refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, either at home in front of a Buddha image, or at a centre with a monk or a teacher....and this usually gives one some inspiration to continue on the path.

I also recommend looking for a local Buddhist centre or meditation group and the Buddhanet worldwide search facility can be used to do that.

http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/index.php


with kind wishes

Aloka