Does Buddhism have a certificate authenticating that you are a Buddhist?

by Lance Hamilton
(Philippines)

Question:

In Catholicism, they have this baptismal certificate that states that you are a Catholic. Does this also apply to Buddhism? Thanks in advance.

My answer:

Hello Lance,

Please understand that some sects might be different, I do not know all of them but Buddhism doesn't have a ceremony making you a Buddhist. It is a matter of choice: you either follow the noble eightfold path or you don't.

Also, in Japan, you can lead a Buddhist life but most rites are for the deceased. Thus, when you die, they will give you a posthumous Buddhist name. Your family will inscribe it on a tablet and put it on the family altar.

The only certificate you get while alive, that I'm aware of, is what is called the "Tokudo" This states that you entered priesthood. It is usually transmitted from a priest to another.

In Nichiren Buddhism, people also get a scroll called the Gohonzon. This is an object of worship and the practitioners will put it on the altar and recite texts to it every day. It is not a statement of "being Buddhist" though, like the Baptism certificate. You must attain a certain level of worship to be granted your Gohonzon but you are still considered a Buddhist before receiving it.


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In compassion,

Hugo