In short: there's no formal conversion required. Traditionally, a person becomes a lay Buddhist by "going for refuge" to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha, and taking the Five Precepts, ideally at a temple in front of a monk or nun, but it can also be done sincerely at home. Many people practice for a while first.
Step 1: The Three Refuges
Said three times, in Pāli and English:
Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. I go for refuge to the Buddha.
Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. I go for refuge to the teaching.
Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. I go for refuge to the Saṅgha.
Full chant and meaning: the Three Refuges. Often preceded by Namo tassa.
Read the full guide
Step 2: The Five Precepts
Five trainings you undertake voluntarily: to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and alcohol or drugs that cloud the mind. They're promises to yourself, not commandments, and the Buddha called keeping them a gift of safety to all beings. (The Five Precepts in Pāli and English · the precepts as gifts)
Step 3: A daily practice
- A few minutes each morning and evening: chant, sit, set an intention. (Practicing at home)
- Learn steadily: what is Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths.
- Find a community: visit a temple or meditation group. (How to visit a temple)
Common questions
- Do I need a teacher? It helps a lot over time, but you can begin today.
- Do I have to be vegetarian? Not in the Theravāda tradition, though many choose to be; the first precept is about not killing.
- What if I break a precept? Recognize it, resolve to do better, and begin again. (Forgiving yourself)
Try it
Begin with tomorrow morning: the morning prayer and three minutes of practice.
Questions people ask
How do you officially become a Buddhist?
In the Theravāda tradition, by taking the Three Refuges (in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha) and the Five Precepts, ideally in front of a monk or nun at a temple, though many people simply do it at home.
Do I have to give up my old religion or culture?
Buddhism doesn't require you to reject your family or culture. Many people practice meditation and ethics first and decide about refuge later.