[kertionderf]

So for the past year I've been thinking about becoming a Buddhist, just recently I have been looking up on it more and I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this information. I joined this forum to ask someone because I don't know any Buddhists and there aren't any temples nearby and I don't have a way to get to one. I really want to find out everything because I don't want to just rush into this.

1. I read somewhere that Buddhists must not abstain from singing, dancing, music and entertainment and wearing any form of jewelry, perfumes, or any adornments that is used to beautify yourself. Is this true? Or do they just mean not in excess?

2. What are the main differences between Mahayana and Theravada? And how do I choose which one I want to be?

3. What is the difference between the Buddha that sits in sort of a meditation pose and the Buddha with the round belly and a smile?

4. Buddhist prayer beads, do you need them? Can you make them yourself? If so do they NEED to be 100% real, such as real turquoise or real amethyst?

5. Lastly, what is your advice on learning all this new information? I am a bit overwhelmed. I have read up on it before but I'm getting a little more in depth and it is just a lot to process.