If anyone wishes to become a Buddhist, he often decides his own course of spiritual training, taking advice from the monk or nun he chooses as his teacher. Usually he receives the five training precepts: not to kill, not to steal, not to indulge in sexual misconduct, not to lie, and not to take intoxicants. These are not vows, but conscious decisions to train in certain areas. Failure is met with sorrow and a greater determination to try harder.

Then, in order to confirm his desire to help living beings, he may later take the 48 Bodhisattva precepts. The gist of these rules is repeated at the end of every ceremony:

"May all beings be saved.
May all sufferings be ended.
May we learn all Dharma teachings.
And may we attain enlightenment.
I vow to save all beings.
I vow to end all sufferings.
I vow to learn all Dharma teachings.
I vow to attain enlightenment."

Each temple has its own program. Lay people choose any temple they like and go there as often as they like. Usually they choose a temple for its beautiful position, or because some member of the family used to go there or because they like the monks. Then they chose the program they wish to follow. There are chanting classes, text study classes, lectures, ceremonies and religious practice, bowing and reciting. There are youth groups, older people's groups, chorale groups, study groups, social work groups and groups that go on temple tours. In addition, there are possibilities for individuals to stay in a temple and do a retreat or special religious practice. The variety of activities is infinite and can be adjusted according to the wishes of the individual involved!