user7767: My understanding of "taking refuge" is reciting a mantra.  However, is there a certain ceremony to become fully Buddhist?  Is it just repeating the mantra X number of times, or is there more to it?

user8044: In the Theravada tradition, a person can take refuge in the Buddha by paying homage to the Buddha (Namaskaraya), and reciting the Three Refuges (Tisarana, where “ti” is three and “sarana” means refuge or protection) and undertake to observe the five precepts (Panca Sila).
One can recite the following stanza three times by oneself.:

“Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa”  

What is meant by this Stanza is, “I pay homage to the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the fully Enlightened One” or “I pay homage to the fully Enlightened One who found the truth about the existence and became free of all defilements”. Both interpretations are important for someone starting out, without much knowledge of Dhamma.
But the Buddha himself said that the best way to pay homage to him is to learn Dhamma and to follow the Path. That is the more deeper meaning of the Namaskaraya, “Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa”.
I will not elaborate on the Three Refuges (Tisarana) and the five precepts (Panca Sila) as past Ops have already covered this. I would like to share this instead. Once The Buddha said, “Attä hi attano nätho, kö hi näthö paro siyä”, meaning, ”One indeed is one’s own refuge; how can others be a refuge to one?”. Each one has one’s own mind. And that is what is needed to be purified in order to attain a peaceful life now, a better life in the next, or even Nibbana. But it all starts with going for refuge in the Buddha Dhamma & the Sangha.
It is good to recite Namaskaraya, Tisarana, and the precepts, to attain citta pasada or calmness and joy of mind.  If one does it with understanding and resolve, it can bring benefits. The five precepts have deep meanings, and thus should not be taken lightly. Even if one does not live upto these 5 precepts, one needs to recite with the intention of doing one’s best to keep the precepts.

user11281: Taking refuge can take many forms. You do not have to recite a mantra, although you may find it a helpful means. Taking refuge is as simple as placing your faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, or the Sangha.
For example, if you are suffering, and you remember the Four Noble Truths, and you settle your concentration on the Noble Eightfold Path -- then you have taken refuge in the Dharma.
Buddhism is a method of practice. If you follow the method, then you are already a Buddhist.

7767: <p>My understanding of "taking refuge" is reciting a mantra.  However, is there a certain ceremony to become fully Buddhist?  Is it just repeating the mantra X number of times, or is there more to it?</p>
 8044: <p>In the Theravada tradition, a person can take refuge in the Buddha by paying homage to the Buddha (Namaskaraya), and reciting the Three Refuges (Tisarana, where “ti” is three and “sarana” means refuge or protection) and undertake to observe the five precepts (Panca Sila).
One can recite the following stanza three times by oneself.:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>“Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa”  </p>
</blockquote>

<p>What is meant by this Stanza is, “I pay homage to the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the fully Enlightened One” or “I pay homage to the fully Enlightened One who found the truth about the existence and became free of all defilements”. Both interpretations are important for someone starting out, without much knowledge of Dhamma.</p>

<p>But the Buddha himself said that the best way to pay homage to him is to learn Dhamma and to follow the Path. That is the more deeper meaning of the Namaskaraya, “Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa”.</p>

<p>I will not elaborate on the Three Refuges (Tisarana) and the five precepts (Panca Sila) as past Ops have already covered this. I would like to share this instead. Once The Buddha said, “Attä hi attano nätho, kö hi näthö paro siyä”, meaning, ”One indeed is one’s own refuge; how can others be a refuge to one?”. Each one has one’s own mind. And that is what is needed to be purified in order to attain a peaceful life now, a better life in the next, or even Nibbana. But it all starts with going for refuge in the Buddha Dhamma &amp; the Sangha.</p>

<p>It is good to recite Namaskaraya, Tisarana, and the precepts, to attain citta pasada or calmness and joy of mind.  If one does it with understanding and resolve, it can bring benefits. The five precepts have deep meanings, and thus should not be taken lightly. Even if one does not live upto these 5 precepts, one needs to recite with the intention of doing one’s best to keep the precepts.</p>
 11281: <p>Taking refuge can take many forms. You do not have to recite a mantra, although you may find it a helpful means. Taking refuge is as simple as placing your faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, or the Sangha.</p>

<p>For example, if you are suffering, and you remember the Four Noble Truths, and you settle your concentration on the Noble Eightfold Path -- then you have taken refuge in the Dharma.</p>

<p>Buddhism is a method of practice. If you follow the method, then you are already a Buddhist.</p>
