https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/1jdt8wg/when_can_i_call_myself_a_buddhist/
created by Kay_Cedro on 18/03/2025 at 01:08 UTC
17 upvotes, 19 top-level comments (showing 19)
I started my studies recently, I feel that I already have the basis of knowledge but there is still a journey ahead. I feel that I know the answer to my question but I am looking for certainty.
I also want to say that I love this subreddit, the people here are so sweet and genuine about helping others with their pain. I saw posts about people who are really suffering and everyone here helps with the wisdom they have. I am grateful for everyone!
Comment by htgrower at 18/03/2025 at 01:15 UTC
40 upvotes, 1 direct replies
What specifically makes someone a Buddhist is taking refuge in the triple gem. That doesn’t necessarily mean taking refuge in a temple through a ceremony, it just means that you look to the example of the Buddha, his teachings (the dhamma), and those who have preserved the teachings (the sangha) for your spiritual sustenance.
Comment by AlexCoventry at 18/03/2025 at 01:36 UTC
29 upvotes, 0 direct replies
There are no Buddhist police who'll check your Buddhist license. By the same token, calling yourself a Buddhist is less useful than carrying out the Buddha's teachings for the sake of your long-term welfare and happiness.
Comment by ediapolaris at 18/03/2025 at 01:30 UTC
9 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Welcome home.
If you would like, you can take refuge in The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It's very easy.
Comment by waitingundergravity at 18/03/2025 at 01:36 UTC
8 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Once you find that you have decided to trust the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, you are a Buddhist. Simple as that.
Comment by bigphilblue at 18/03/2025 at 01:51 UTC
12 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Do you take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sanga? If so mazel tov! You're a Buddhist!
Comment by W359WasAnInsideJob at 18/03/2025 at 01:13 UTC
10 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Technically if you take refuge in the three jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) then you’re a “Buddhist”. You can do it yourself, although it’s nice to find a community and to do it with others IMO.
There’s a journey ahead for all of us, so don’t worry about that.
Comment by genivelo at 18/03/2025 at 02:46 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyans at Kapilavatthu in the Banyan Tree Park. Then Mahānāma the Sakyan approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:
“In what way, Bhante, is one a lay follower?”
“When, Mahānāma, one has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha, in that way one is a lay follower.”
https://suttacentral.net/an8.25/en/bodhi
Comment by Objective-Work-3133 at 18/03/2025 at 04:53 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I've heard many different answers to this. Personally, if someone believes that the Buddha was a real person, who walked the Earth, sought out the causes of suffering, tore them up by the root, and shared his wisdom with the world, then I call them a Buddhist. To be a practicing Buddhist, you have to take refuge in the triple gem.
Comment by Worried_Baker_9462 at 18/03/2025 at 03:10 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
When can you call yourself an artist?
Comment by Confident-Engine-878 at 18/03/2025 at 06:36 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Anyone who has taken the three refuge is a Buddhist.
Comment by coolmesser at 18/03/2025 at 10:37 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Thursday.
Comment by Ok_Watercress_4596 at 18/03/2025 at 13:54 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The best way to call yourself Buddhist without saying anything is to practice the dhamma, keep the precepts, develop wisdom try to not act on craving as much as you can and gradually increment the amount of not acting out of craving.
What is better than a Buddhist who practices what the Buddha actually taught? Don't even need to call yourself anything
This way you will feel true and honest to yourself and doing the right thing too
Comment by CrossingOver03 at 18/03/2025 at 14:00 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
My Buddhist practice is so integrated with my business (permaculture-based plant nursery and garden/land consults and design) that my "philosophy" is always present. And here in Wyoming USA (think mega red state) when it does come up, people get a blank look on their faces like I was speaking Yugoslavian and they smile innocently. Its kind of a Zen experience. ( and they have no idea that by practicing much of the recommendations Im offering/designing that they are also practicing dharma. Guerilla dharma....🙏😌🙏) Welcome to the Sangha, Friend.
Comment by helloitseliiii at 18/03/2025 at 05:04 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
When you stop wondering if your a Buddhist.
Comment by new_old_mike at 18/03/2025 at 02:59 UTC*
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I struggled with this a ton. After 4-5 years of practice and serious regular study, I took refuge formally at a temple, and that was actually the first time I ever began to feel at all comfortable saying, “I’m a Buddhist.”
If you feel at some point like you’re into the idea of taking refuge formally, you should do it! It really doesn’t matter what denomination you take refuge with either, if there are limited options for temples near you. While particular schools take refuge differently in practice, taking refuge is itself a vow that is fully compatible with any denomination. I follow the Theravada way, but I took refuge at a Kagyu temple and followed their ceremonial practices, which were wonderful!
Comment by Kvltist4Satan at 18/03/2025 at 04:45 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Your call, but not in a New Age way.
Comment by magiblood at 18/03/2025 at 09:31 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
When you want to be free from suffering and practice the Buddha's path right now you can
Comment by Excellent_Scar_979 at 18/03/2025 at 11:35 UTC*
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Buddha never asked anyone to become a Buddhist. He called the follower of Buddha, Dhmma and Sangha as Bhikkhu. The word "Buddhist" never existed in all of Tipitaka. This notion arose centuries later, when his actual teaching disappeared from the subcontinent. Suffering arises from ignorance. Unless we take action to become more aware, kinder, more compassionate, and wiser, no matter what we call ourselves, we will not be free from suffering. The Triple Gem is good as long as it provides inspiration and motivation for Dhamma practice. It changes nothing if we only recite the mantra three times in the morning and carry on with our lives as before. I wouldn't call myself a Buddhist or anything like that, because suffering doesn't care what we call ourselves. It only cares what we do, our thoughts and action. So learn from his teachings and practice Dhamma in your life.
With Metta, Namo Buddhayo !
Comment by Ariyas108 at 18/03/2025 at 01:40 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Do you believe the Buddha was fully enlightened, master of life and death, etc? Do you believe his teachings are the highest and can lead to what he claims they can? Do you believe his followers can and have accomplished that? If you can answer yes to all of the above then you essentially already are a Buddhist.