When I studied in America, my host family took me to Christian church every week. I've been going there every week for 10 months, and when asked if I believe in Christianity or its God, the answer is no. So I didn't understand what the religion around me was.
Of course, I know that the monks who answered here are Buddhists, but how many Japanese people are Buddhists? What do you do, and what do you believe in, does Buddhism have such standards?
People who learn, believe, and practice Buddha's teachings are called Buddhists.
You don't have to think too hard.
If people who have been abroad often asked about their religion and answered that it is Buddhism, what is Buddhism? I hear that they are having trouble replying when asked.
That was probably the case for you too.
It's a great opportunity, so let's learn a little bit about Buddhism.
However, it is not organized into one book of the Bible like Christianity, and it is very broad.
Please listen to the monk's puja at the family temple at your parents' house and read books written by the monk at the bookstore.
If there's anything you don't understand, ask the monk at the family temple or this site.
Basically, Buddhism is the Buddha's teaching.
Speaking of what kind of teaching it is, roughly speaking,
The teaching is to control your own mind, understand the principles of this world as explained by the Buddha, and live comfortably no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
The denominations have split up a lot, but the purpose is the same.
Be sure to read it.
What are the three treasures
Buddha (enlightened Buddha)
Dharma (teachings taught by the Buddha)
Monks (religious groups and monks who teach the law)
There are three of them.
In the ceremony of becoming an official Buddhist, the first step is to return (listen) to the Buddhist monk's Three Treasures.
Incidentally, when chanting “Namu Sanbo (Namu Sanbo),” it means “I am devoid of the Three Treasures.”
When praying at any temple, there is nothing wrong with chanting Namu Sanpo and putting your hands together.
I think they are people who are making an effort to find the same heart within themselves as Buddha. They are people who aim for self-perfection! In a nutshell, they are people with “sincerity.” A person like Mother Teresa who can look at people around the world like their own children. They are people who aim for that. Right now, I don't know more than this! I'm sorry.
When it comes to the road, they are not believers, but companions and companions who walk together. For some reason, Buddhism isn't the only absolute contract with God. It is a path we walk aiming for the Buddha nature that all people possess, and that the soul that is the core of the Buddha becomes Buddha = right sense. Therefore, Buddhists do not mean that those who believe in the blatant teachings are Buddhists, and although their paths and ways of walking may be different, fools think that friends who aim for Buddha together become Buddhists.
There is probably no difference from other religions around the world when it comes to believing, worshiping, and learning teachings. The real thrill of Buddhism is that the person who preaches the teachings becomes this person = Buddha.
To Haruka-sama
You have been asked questions about Buddhism, and now you have stepped into Hasunoha, which is full of monks, and at the time the question is being asked, you have already knocked on the door to Buddhists, and you are standing at the entrance.
This hasunoha is a truly luxurious place with teachings from various denominations and various ways of being perceived by monks.
I hope you can take this opportunity to slowly surf in Hasunoha and bring back new discoveries and learning, and I hope you will take this opportunity to become interested in Buddhism.
Ryusuke Gassho