Not to be confused with the Buddha, who was born Siddhartha Gautama, a Buddha is the top rank a Buddhist can reach.Someone has achieved the highest level of spiritual awakening, which is nirvana.A life filled with peace and self-awareness is the result of a lot of dedication and commitment.The Buddha said that anyone can reach this status.To join the Buddhahood, you need to learn the basics of the religion and build a calmer mindset.
Step 1: You can choose to study Buddhist texts based on your preferences.
There is no set path for what to read.Pick what speaks to you, or what interests you.If you're interested in meditation, you should choose pieces on breathing andMindfulness.The Way of the Bodhisattva, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching, and On the Path to Enlightenment are some popular classics.Ask the teachers at the Buddhist center or community if you should read first.Buddhist books can be found online or in a bookstore.
Step 2: When reading Buddhist texts, follow the 3 stages of understanding.
The 3 stages of studying Buddha's teachings are hearing, contemplating, and meditating.If you want to hear the text, first read it.Make sure you understand what it means by thinking about it.Allow the teaching to fully soak in by meditating on it.Time should be set aside to read and absorb the material.You can absorb it all better if you study the teachings consistently.Pick a single phrase from your teaching that day to use in meditation.
Step 3: For a summary of Buddha's teachings, you can learn the Four Noble Truths.
These truths are similar to the core pillars of Buddhism.They show you how to let go of pain.You will not be free of suffering or reach nirvana if you don't understand the Four Noble Truths.The Noble Eightfold Path is a Buddhist set of principles detailing 8 steps to spiritual awakening.
Step 4: If you would like more guidance, you should look for a spiritual teacher.
Learning from someone who knows a lot about Buddhism can help you understand it better.If you want to find out if any teachers are interested in taking on a new student, ask the Buddhist temple or center in your area.A teacher who is already a Buddha can act as a mentor and role model.If you know a Buddhist who is knowledgeable, ask them to be your teacher.I really want to become a Buddha, but I need more help.Would you be willing to tutor me?You can sign up for online courses led by Buddhists.
Step 5: Nothing is permanent, so make the most of every moment to understand that.
Buddha says the only guarantee in life is death.Being aware of your impermanence can enhance your life.If you want to live as if it's your last, focus your energy on enjoying whatever you can and always look for the positive.Ask yourself, "If I died right now, would I be happy or proud of how I spent my last moments?"If you are in a boring meeting at work, instead of dwelling on how long it is dragging on, appreciate the softness of your favorite sweater on your back or offer a new idea.
Step 6: You can learn compassion by putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
If you see a homeless person on the street, try to see things through their eyes.You will be able to react more compassionately and understand the situation better if you get a new perspective on it.Maybe you're walking fast because it's freezing outside and you only have a thin coat on.The homeless person has no coat and no place to go.Imagine if you were that person.If you stopped to think about their point of view, you could give them some of your loose change to buy a meal.Love and peace are spread by this practice.
Step 7: Being more aware of your actions will help you focus on the present.
Buddhism has a lot of important aspects.It is possible to incorporate it into your own life.Look at the sights, sounds, and tastes of what's happening right now.If you eat a brownie, notice the chewiness or the way the chocolate chips melt on your tongue.Don't dwell on the past or the future.If you notice those thoughts pop up, instead of worrying about your big date tonight, focus on the current moment.Taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nostrils is a good way to bring yourself back to the present.
Step 8: Take the middle path to create balance in everything you do.
The middle path of Buddhism says you should never be at one extreme or another.You should live in the middle and strike a balance between the two.Work this principle into all aspects of your life, like work, family time, and even the food you eat.Don't spend all of your time working, but instead laze around 24/7.The middle path is spending 8 hours a day at the office and then coming home to relax or be with your loved ones.This applies to how you treat other people.For instance, you don't want to be rude to someone, but also not be fake.It's important to be compassionate while being honest about your feelings.
Step 9: It is possible to control your thoughts by meditating every day.
New neural pathways that make you happier and calmer can be created by meditation.Bring your attention to your breath when you sit or lay in a comfortable pose.As you meditate, notice any thoughts that come up and let them go, instead of dwelling on them or avoiding them.If you want help getting started, follow along with a guided video online or download a meditation app on your phone.If you have a specific intention to focus on that day, you can meditate on a "be the change you wish to see in the world."You can also listen to soothing sounds, like crashing waves or birds chirping.You can meditate any time of the day.You can build up to 1 hour a day if you start with 5 minutes.
Step 10: Become a Bodhisattva if you follow the 10 Meritorious Deeds.
A Bodhisattva is someone looking for enlightenment.Buddha taught his followers to aim to live according to the Ten Meritorious Deeds, which include things like helping others, learning the right view, and avoiding stealing or lying.The right view in Buddhism is seeing the world and yourself as they really are, instead of being influenced by society.You can use the notes app on your phone or a piece of paper on the fridge to remind you of the 10 Meritorious Deeds.
Step 11: To learn non-attachment, you should live a minimalist lifestyle.
Reducing how attached you are to material things is part of becoming a Buddha.It is a good idea to get rid of anything you don't use anymore.Pare it down to the basics, keeping only what is absolutely necessary, like the pillow you sleep on.When choosing what to keep and get rid of, be careful.Do you have enough shoes in your closet?The minimalist mindset can be applied to your buying habits.You should only purchase what you need.The more disorganized your life is, the less disorganized you will be.
Step 12: Don't have doubts about Buddhism anymore.
There are 4 stages that a Buddha goes through to get to nirvana.The first stage is called Sotapanna and is characterized by no longer questioning Buddhist readings.Buddha's teachings are the ultimate truth and you will be confident in your spirituality once you accept them.When you're practicing Buddhism, you know it's the right thing to do, not because you want to fit in.If you're struggling to get rid of doubts, it's a good idea to find a guru or teacher who can help guide you and answer any questions you have.
Step 13: Release the 3 poisons to move to the second stage of enlightenment.
The stage is called "Sagadagami."You'll let go of greed, anger, and ignorant poisons in it.When you're having poisonous thoughts, be aware of them, and then free yourself of those thoughts.You can practice giving to overcome greed, compassion, and anger.If you do more service, like volunteering, you can overcome greed.
Step 14: To reach the 3rd stage, remove attachment to sexual desires.
This stage is known as Angmi or "Non-returner" and it allows you to calm your mind and control your thoughts.You don't have to give up sex in order to have no desires.Being obsessed with those desires is what the goal is to stop.It is easy to observe and imagination our body simply as a vessel of blood, flesh, skeleton, pus, phlegm, urine and feces under a thin layer of skin.In resisting temptations, this method is very helpful.Buddha said in many sutras that he wanted to overcome greed by showing how our body decays after we die.It is possible to tame sexual thoughts by meditating on purity every day.Some Buddhists choose to be celibate in order to not have an attachment to lust or fantasies.
Step 15: Accept the idea of no-self to get to nirvana.
No-self is a temporary existence formed by mental and physical parts.The stage is about letting go of ego and selfishness.If you don't understand no-self completely, be patient.It can take a long time to understand the concept.All sentient beings have the same buddhahood.You can observe karma and see that everything is an effort to gradually achieve no-self.A very advanced meditation practice is required.To clear your mind of all thoughts, focus on the sensation of your breath.A convenient way for people in this era to achieve this state is by substituting their wandering thoughts with one powerful thought.In this era, egoistic people are unable to achieve the state without the help of a buddha who is yet to enter nirvana.Buddha made 48 vows to help all sentient beings attain buddhahood in the most convenient and effective ways.