What are the 3 refugees to become a Buddhist?

Answer 1

First off, you don't have to become a monk or a nun to be a Buddhist. Monks and Nuns have decided to dedicate their life to reaching enlightenment in a monastic environment. Lay people practice Buddhism in the perspective of having a family and a job.

With that said there are two ways to become a Buddhist, and both have the same starting point. First you should understand what Buddhism is. Understanding is an important aspect of Buddhism since it is a contemplative (thoughtful), investigative practice. So do some investigation and ask questions of Buddhists. If Buddhism still appeals to you, you can join a Buddhist Sangha (group of fellow Buddhists studying and practicing together), support them and go through an Affirmation ceremony. If you do not have a Sangha in the area, you can simply decide to be a Buddhist and take The Three Refuges vow (The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha are the Three Refuges), like I did, which is simply:

I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha and to see with real understanding the Four Noble Truths, ~ Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the Transcending of Suffering and the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to the transcending of suffering, This indeed is a safe refuge, it is the refuge supreme. It is the refuge whereby one is freed from all suffering

And then live your life as The Buddha has taught.