Generic Buddhism?

I am interested in Buddhism but was wondering if one has to decide on a specific path or can you just say you are Buddhist, period? Do Buddhists ever eat meat or drink alcohol? Not that I am a drinker but I might have a glass of wine twice a year...maybe.

Ultimately, it is for you to decide how commited you are, and to which guiding principles. That includes how you interpret the principles of Sila, and specifically how temperate you are in your consumption habits.

It is not all that unusual (here in the West at least) for even teachers and priests to have ties to several separate lines. We can learn from several different people without a conflict of loyalties.

Thirza Fallen said:

I am interested in Buddhism but was wondering if one has to decide on a specific path or can you just say you are Buddhist, period? Do Buddhists ever eat meat or drink alcohol? Not that I am a drinker but I might have a glass of wine twice a year...maybe.

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The most Generic aspects of Buddhism are the Four Dharma Seals.
Buddhism in a Nutshell: The Four Seals of Dharma

As for eating meat--no problem. As for alcohol--I try to break the no alcohol precept at least 4 times a year by having some kahlua in my coffee, or something equivalent, as a token reminder to not allow myself to get tripped up over the small things, but to focus on the important things.

Your mileage may vary.

Thirza Fallen said:

I am interested in Buddhism but was wondering if one has to decide on a specific path or can you just say you are Buddhist, period? Do Buddhists ever eat meat or drink alcohol? Not that I am a drinker but I might have a glass of wine twice a year...maybe.

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I would recommend seeking out knowledgeable people to get started, things like how to sit and stuff like that.

It's a traditional way to approach Buddhism though . In the old days you just went into the Temple you were put down in the room and you had to figure it all out for yourself.
With practice you eventually catch on with the gist of things with whatever form of Buddhism you decide upon.

Nowhere Man said:

I would recommend seeking out knowledgeable people to get started, things like how to sit and stuff like that.

It's a traditional way to approach Buddhism though . In the old days you just went into the Temple you were put down in the room and you had to figure it all out for yourself.
With practice you eventually catch on with the gist of things with whatever form of Buddhism you decide upon.

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There is a really great temple in my area. I will definitely be going there again.

Thirza Fallen said:

I am interested in Buddhism but was wondering if one has to decide on a specific path or can you just say you are Buddhist, period? Do Buddhists ever eat meat or drink alcohol? Not that I am a drinker but I might have a glass of wine twice a year...maybe.

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Hi @Thirza Fallen As you see already from your question, you get different answer from each of those who follow a buddhist path. When you now in the biginning of your search do not know a lot about the different branches of buddhism, i would advice you to research Both Mahayana buddhism and Theravada buddhism (the two main paths) Then within this two there are different ways you can go.
Maybe you should look in to 4 noble truths, 8 fold path and the 5 precepts in the beginning.

When it comes to meat, you will find buddhists who eat meat some are vegetarian and some who are vegan. So maybe look in to the teaching of no killing and understand why some chooses to not eat meat, and some do eat it.
When it comes to alcohol it is wise to not drink to you get drunk, but most of the time a glas now and then does not harm. But as you will see in the 5 precets (5. Abstention from intoxication) the last of the five seak about Alcohol and its causes when drinking it.

I would recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's The Heart of Buddha's Teaching for a basic introduction.

"Dhamma", the Eight-fold Noble Path.

Thirza Fallen said:

I am interested in Buddhism but was wondering if one has to decide on a specific path or can you just say you are Buddhist, period?

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You don't have to decide on a specific path, though they tend to provide some structure to begin with. As long as you stay open minded to all paths you will benefit from Buddha's teachings. Being a Buddhist is about what you understand rather than saying you are one. The label itself is not of much value, though you can call yourself what you want, whenever you want.

Do Buddhists ever eat meat or drink alcohol? Not that I am a drinker but I might have a glass of wine twice a year...maybe.

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Buddhists are humans too. You'll find them doing all manner of things. Just do what's right for you.

Srivijaya said:

You don't have to decide on a specific path, though they tend to provide some structure to begin with. As long as you stay open minded to all paths you will benefit from Buddha's teachings. Being a Buddhist is about what you understand rather than saying you are one. The label itself is not of much value, though you can call yourself what you want, whenever you want.


Buddhists are humans too. You'll find them doing all manner of things. Just do what's right for you.

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Thank you so much!

Srivijaya said:

The label itself is not of much value, though you can call yourself what you want, ..

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Yeah, Buddha is my guru. I have been a Buddhist for a long time without calling myself a Buddhist.

Once the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyas in Nigrodha Park at Kapilavatthu. There, Mahanama the Sakyan approached the Blessed One. Having approached and paid respect to the Blessed One, he sat aside. Then, seated aside, Mahanama the Sakyan said thus to the Blessed One:

"Venerable sir, in what way is one a lay follower?"...on "Being', better doing like, a Lay Buddhist

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Which ever one likes to do.