ARE YOU A BUDDHIST?

QUESTION:

When people ask me what it means to be a Buddhist, I am usually at a loss for words. What constitutes being a Buddhist? If I say that I am Buddhist, or that I believe in Buddhism, what does that mean? How do I explain myself to another person?

SHIH-FU:

This is a simple question to answer. Buddhism is what Sakyamuni Buddha taught to his disciples. It includes philosophical concepts as well as methods of practice. A Buddhist, therefore, is one who practices according to the teachings of the Buddha, the essence of which is the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. People who sincerely follow these principles and who succeed in completing the Path will perfect their personalities and attain liberation.

Generally speaking, the practice includes three major endeavors: keeping the precepts, practicing samadhi, and acquiring wisdom. A Buddhist strives to master all three.