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Buddhism is a wonderful philosophy centered on discovering and understanding reality as it truly is and not as we would wish it to be. It has acquired religious trappings, because any system of belief involving large quantities of people eventually will. The actual act of conversion to Buddhism is surprisingly simple. All one must do is to quiet one's mind and say aloud three times:

"I take refuge in the Dharma" -The dharma is the law Buddha gave us.
"I take refuge in the Buddha"
"I take refuge in the Sangha"- The sangha is the brotherhood of monks and the laity of Buddhism.

After this, you are a Buddhist. The hard part comes after. You must be willing to see reality and life as it is, not as you would want it to be. You will need to challenge all of your preconceived notions and discriminations, and seek true enlightenment. If you intend on becoming a layperson, you must accept and follow the Four Noble Truths:

1. There is suffering in the world
2. This suffering is the cause of all the worlds problems
3 This suffering comes from our attachments and desires
4. The way to end this suffering is through the Eightfold Noble Path.

The Eightfold Noble Path is a set of principals governing:

Right Thought
Right Action
Right Speech
Right Vocation
Right Practice
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Dhyanna

To become a monk or nun (bhikshu or bhikshuni) you must further adhere to the Five Precepts:

1. To refrain from taking life. (non-violence towards sentient life forms)
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given (not committing theft)
3. To refrain from sensual misconduct (abstinence from immoral sexual behavior)
4. To refrain from lying. (speaking truth always)
5. To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness (refrain from using drugs or alcohol)

You must further be accepted by an Abbott in front of the Sangha of the monastery you intend to join.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Johnson.
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