Study the Eightfold Path, which is the way to the end of all suffering. The path consists of the right understanding, right speech, right intention, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration, right action and right livelihood. Learn the four noble truths, which contain the essence of Buddhism. A simple version of the four noble truths is that suffering exists, it arises from attachment to wants, the condition stops when the attachment to desire stops and freedom from suffering is possible through the Eightfold Path. [1] X Research source
Check your phone book or look online for a Buddhist center near you. Be an active participant of the temple. Some sanghas offer introductory courses where you can learn more about Buddhism. Others schedule retreats to help you grow in your faith. Not all Buddhist communities are alike. Like other types of religious institutions, some are more traditional, while others have changed with modern times. Find a community that fits with your views and is appealing to you. It may also be helpful to visit Buddhist temples in other cities or even other countries to get a well-rounded view of the Buddhist community.
To find a mentor, ask people in your Buddhist community for recommendations. Often, a temple will invite Buddhist leaders to come and speak to the group, and this gives you a chance to make contact with potential mentors.
Buddhism incorporates different kinds of meditation, including meditation that focuses on breathing, meditation that focuses on transformation and meditation on the Lamrim. Mediation can also include certain postures. Start with five minutes of meditation two times a day. When you become comfortable with five minutes, increase your meditation time by a few minutes every day until you can meditate for 15 minutes two times a day. Some monks meditate for hours at a time.
Before pursuing ordination, you may want to discuss this with your family and let them know what is to come. Some monasteries don’t accept candidates who are married or have other strong relationship ties. Single people are more able to devote themselves to the teachings of Buddhism, since they don’t have outside forces pulling their attention away.
Make sure the monastery you’re interested in joining offers the level of commitment you want. If you’re not sure, it’s possible to do a two or three-month ordination, then pursue a longer-term ordination later.
If you’re following Shin Buddhism, you’ll have an affirmation ceremony, rather than an ordination ceremony. The affirmation ceremony serves the same purpose as ordination.
