(The Pause) How to become a Buddhist: the truth about conversion. [How would a Westerner become an official "Buddhist"? As in any of the Dharmic religions, people convert to Buddhism. Here is a list of prominent converts.
People new to adhering to Buddhism, traditionally, do so at a minimum by Ti-Sarana ("Going for Guidance" to the Three Guides) and adopting the Five Precepts.
This is frequently mistranslated as "Taking Refuge," expressing confidence in the Three Guides, Three Treasures, Three Gems or Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) in front of a monk, nun, or similar representative often of the monastic community (sangha), the nobles ones (Ariya-Sangha), and the community of practitioners (other Buddhists), in attendance.
Throughout the timeline of Buddhism, conversions of (adoption of Buddhism by) entire countries and regions to Buddhism were frequent, as Buddhism (the Buddha-Dharma) spread throughout Asia. For example, in the 11th century in Burma, King Anoratha converted his entire country to Theravada Buddhism.
At the end of the 12th century, King Jayavarman VII set the stage for conversion of the Khmer people to Theravada Buddhism.
Mass conversions of areas and communities to Buddhism occur up to the present day. For example, there was the modern Dalit Buddhist Movement in India. Indeed, there have been organized mass conversions.
Exceptions to encouraging conversion may occur in some Buddhist movements. In Tibetan Buddhism, for example, the current Dalai Lama discourages active attempts to win converts [35, 36]. In fact, Buddhism is not evangelical and does not promote pushing religion on anyone. However, Buddhism was the first missionary religion, long before Christianity, and sent out "apostles" who taught and won many people over to this path-of-practice and way of being, which many can argue is not even a real "religion." Of course, that depends how we choose to define "religion."
The Truth is true no matter who believes or does not believe, who adheres or does not adhere, who converts or does not convert. The Buddha was a representative of Truth, and many were attracted to him and what he was saying. It was, in fact, the first "world religion," a universal spiritual tradition that accepted all. But the Buddha did not go around trying to make anyone a Buddhist or a follower. He only wanted them to realize what was true, knowing that the Truth sets one free. Have you considered Hinduism? More: Religious conversion
