I am on a spiritual journey and would like to start practicing Buddhism. Are there ways to convert?

From what I have been reading, there is no real "converting" to Buddhism, you just begin practicing it. I was raised Christian (Baptist) but I do not find that I believe in everything they teach. I would like to learn more about Buddhism...can anyone suggest any readings or offer insight?





Also do Buddhists attend any type of service like Christians attend church? Please excuse my ignorance, I am not too familiar yet.|||Although Buddhism has a rich history and many insightful texts, it's fundamentally a practice tradition. So to benefit from Buddhism, all you need to do is practice.





And the easiest way to practice is at a local center or temple. That's the only reason centers exist - to support people in their practice.





So if you live in a larger town/city, you might visit several centers and see if one feels right to you. Most centers have regular ways for newcomers to join in the activities of the center. Once you've learned the practices of that center, you can practice regularly with the people there.





Most folks find it very hard to sustain Buddhist practice - and therefore receive its benefits - without the support of a community.





If you live in an area where there aren't any centers or temples, then you'll need to find your own way. This isn't impossible, but it will require determination and effort. Fortunately, there are many excellent resources that can support you. (Let me know if you need recommendations.)|||A newcomer may study by him/herself by surfing the internet or reading books about Buddhism. You can discuss with your friends who have the real knowledge. You may also visit a Buddhist temple nearby and talk with any monk or layperson. The nearest temple can be found by searching the internet.





There are no rituals, rites or conversion to become a Buddhist. Once you study and practice the Buddha's teachings, you will be the person who decides that you are now a Buddhist.





There is no rule that one has to attend any type of service like Christians attend church. If one live near a Buddhist temple, one may want to visit it as often as one's desire.





Below are recommended websites to learn more about Buddhism.|||Would you consider the practice of Falun Gong ?





The mediation and basic Buddhist belief are well explained in the 'China Falun Gong' book. The effects and advanced practice are discussed in details in the Zhuan Falun Lecture. Both books and meditation demonstration video are free to download from the URL listed below. If you need any help, contact a local practitioner in your area for free instructions. Good luck.





Falun Gong was found in 1992 by Master Li Hongzhi in China. About 100 million followers like the practice in over 80 countries worldwide. Falun Gong is an ancient practice for the body, mind, and spirit based upon the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Falun Gong consists of five sets of powerful exercises.





Falun Gong, Tibetans, other Buddhists, and Daoists have been persecuted in China. The most offensive human right violation is the organ harvesting from the Falun Gong practitioners in China. Can you kindly sign a petition to stop persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, please ?


http://cipfg.org/en/news/petition.html|||You are correct. No need to "convert," just begin practicing it.





I am a former Christian; have been a Buddhist for about 10 years.





Believe it or not, there is one of those orange books called "Idiots Guide to Understanding Buddhism," which can give you a good overview of what it's all about.





After that, I suggest the book "How to Practice" by the Dalai Lama. I'd suggest lots more books, but with these two you can be pretty well on your way.





Welcome to Buddhism! Enjoy your journey!|||A good starting place for you is http://www.accesstoinsight.org





Also, you will benefit from getting involved with http://www.e-sangha.com and http://www.dhammawheel.org





You'll find Buddhism is a very rich religion with many flavours, but don't rush in :)





Take your time :) enjoy yourself|||Buddhism is not a religion. It is a philosophy of how to live and how to see life. Therefore, there is nothing to "convert" to.