Becoming a lay follower of the Buddha, Refuge and precepts (here and now).

Since seldom to meet, seldom to have a possibility:


If having the feeling wishing to take formal Refuge (and maybe ask/take precepts) into the Sublime Juwels, the Buddha, Dhamma, and the Buddhas Sangha or renew it when defect, it is of course the best to seek out for Ven. monks, a proper monastery next to you and simply devoted ask for such. The Ven. monks, maybe Ven. nuns, should guide you and also instruct you. So nothing to worry if not knowing all before. Surely good when looking out for straight following branches since there are many later splitted schools which will possible not even follow formal proper ways.

In cases that someone desires such but has limited local possibility my person has been given to give access here online. (english preparation is not so up to date and developed, but sould be no problem in case. Doing it via audio records, as attachments, to also speak out by following, is also possible. Made in good manner will maybe take half to an hour, step by step. And since not always sure to have technicl access, good if telling some times before, but such should be no hindrance to approach at any time.).

If one wishes to conduct such here, only via written words, it should be also fine. Good when asking to do not hide face, approach with no comic-name and also look to create a certain devotional sphere where on is, especially in mind, but also in place and gesture, position.

Of course the topic here is also good for all kinds of questions in regard of refuge, precepts... what ever might be come up in this regard.

There's no questioning the value of a formal approach as one enters the gateless gate if one chooses.

Beginner's mind. Even as the wild fox.

The real refuge is in the tranquility of samatha and the insight of vipassana. Your nose will be mercilessly rubbed into the three poisons, again, and again, and again, so "right concentration" is your best weapon.
I remember my refuge ceremony. It was taken alongside a small group in a Tibetan dharma center, and after much consideration. A monk gave us our vows. It was a significant and emotional moment for me and marked the start of a life-long voyage. If you ever get the opportunity, take it from sangha. If not, your breath will lead you. Sooner or later, you'll seek the dispassion of samhadi in any case.

Maybe useful explainings in addition:

[Q&A] How does one become a lay "Buddhist", follower? Are there different ways?

[Q&A] Is Lineage vital? Is Nissaya necessary in modern days?

[Q&A] Is it possible to following the Dhamma without taking refuge?

Q1. There are as many ways to be a lay Buddhist, as there are people who declare themselves to be one.

Q2. Your lineage is vital. It starts with the first breath you draw when you leave the womb, and ends with the last one. It's there to be followed, or ignored, as one wishes.

Q3. Just as easily as one can take refuge and not follow the Dharma.

The site you link to is German/Cambodian. Are you in either country?

Srivijaya said:

Q1. There are as many ways to be a lay Buddhist, as there are people who declare themselves to be one.

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Good Householder Srivijaya, actually no. The answers in the fist link explain a little. If not gone for refuge, having the right perceptions of the Gems, althought thinking diverent, one is still not a follower, has still not gone for refuge.

Srivijaya said:

Q2. Your lineage is vital. It starts with the first breath you draw when you leave the womb, and ends with the last one. It's there to be followed, or ignored, as one wishes.

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The talk there is about the lineage of the Noble Ones. Only if giving into their direction it is possible to change ones ancestor-ship and become a vital heir of it. If giving into the lineage of donkeys, gaining relation to donkeys can be expected. and so on...

Srivijaya said:

Q3. Just as easily as one can take refuge and not follow the Dharma.

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Of course "so that one has success" should be seen as underlying the comment. One having taken refuge, yet not following, to the extent of refuge, one remains a Follower. Having not taken refuge, but uses any ideas of Dhamma isn't a follower. It's not possible (only for seldom Pacecabuddhas, in times when Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha has disappeared, and even they met the Gems in previouse existance) to gain heritage without ancestors.

Srivijaya said:

The site you link to is German/Cambodian. Are you in either country?

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At sangham.net use of all languages are welcome. As a german language was the language my person grow up, there are German contents, used english, and now also Khmer, also those languages can be found.
My person has left home and states some 12, 13 year ago, and dwells since this in the land of the Khmer (khema, land or people at peace, refuge), this days here. But all not that really importand.

Samana Johann said:

My person has left home and states some 12, 13 year ago, and dwells since this in the land of the Khmer (khema, land or people at peace, refuge), this days here. But all not that really importand.

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A beautiful country with an amazing Buddhist history. I'm aware of the recent history and the destruction it caused, but I hear that Buddhism has revived since those dark days. Do you have sufficient opportunity for involvement with a Sangha and refuge?

Srivijaya said:

A beautiful country with an amazing Buddhist history. I'm aware of the recent history and the destruction it caused, but I hear that Buddhism has revived since those dark days. Do you have sufficient opportunity for involvement with a Sangha and refuge?

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Maybe the last country holding on Dhamma-Vinaya, at least as far as perceived. It's possible for one with Upanissaya to walk the pathpath, at least till here. It's all fading very fast and good for everyone to seek out for relation as long as possible. Lineage from the Buddha can not be revived once extinguished form someone else then a Buddha and not easy to meet in far, far future.

Samana Johann said:

Maybe the last country holding on Dhamma-Vinaya, at least as far as perceived. It's possible for one with Upanissaya to walk the pathpath, at least till here. It's all fading very fast and good for everyone to seek out for relation as long as possible. Lineage from the Buddha can not be revived once extinguished form someone else then a Buddha and not easy to meet in far, far future.

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Sounds like you are in a perfect place to take refuge and study.

Srivijaya said:

The real refuge is in the tranquility of samatha and the insight of vipassana. Your nose will be mercilessly rubbed into the three poisons, again, and again, and again, so "right concentration" is your best weapon.
I remember my refuge ceremony. It was taken alongside a small group in a Tibetan dharma center, and after much consideration. A monk gave us our vows. It was a significant and emotional moment for me and marked the start of a life-long voyage. If you ever get the opportunity, take it from sangha. If not, your breath will lead you. Sooner or later, you'll seek the dispassion of samhadi in any case.

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Some people walk the path, some run, others like myself just tumble around.