How long have I been Buddhist ?

[katersy]

i've been interested in buddhism for about 9 years now. however, it's only in the last few months that i have begun to have confidence in my own heart and mind and to look to myself for refuge rather than to external things. i've not taken refuge in the precepts / ceremony sense of the term, though. maybe one day.

[Blue Garuda]

i've been interested in buddhism for about 9 years now. however, it's only in the last few months that i have begun to have confidence in my own heart and mind and to look to myself for refuge rather than to external things. i've not taken refuge in the precepts / ceremony sense of the term, though. maybe one day.

Moral discipline, rituals etc. do not make a person a Buddhist - most religions have these.  Confidence in your heart and mind is supreme.  I feel that Buddha would rather that you treat your own mind as the focus, rather than anything external.  Having said that, Sangha can help a great deal.