To become a Buddhist, you take refuge in the Buddha, His teachings or the Dharma, and those who have become holy beings or the Sangha. You may either follow the Lesser Vehicle path of the Sravakas (Theravada or Elders) or Pratyekabuddhas or the Mahayana or Greater Vehicle path of the Bodhisattvas that will lead to becoming a Buddha. The Mahayana path has both an exoteric tradition and a more secret or esoteric tradition that includes all of the exoteric and certain tantric practices.
However, just taking refuge and receiving the precepts that are part of that ceremony does not mean that you have entered the refuge state.
Erroneous View #49: THE VIEW THAT TAKING REFUGE AND RECEIVING PRECEPTS IS THE REFUGE STATE
Those with this view think that the refuge state occurs when one takes refuge and receives precepts during a ceremony. This is wrong. There are three types of refuge states: the generation stage refuge state, the completion stage refuge state, and the unattached application stage refuge state. At the generation stage refuge state, one sees right then and there the manifestation of real holy scenes corresponding to the generation stage refuge state. Therefore, the view that receiving precepts is the refuge state is an erroneous view. Such a perspective held by either masters or disciples is an erroneous view.
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This Is A Pile Of Waters Pouring Head Down On Me. Am I Officially A Buddhist Now ? While Taking Refuge & Receiving Precepts More Than 30 Years Ago, Nothing Ever Happened. Was That A Fake One ? Can One Seeks Another Refuge ? Wishfully, This Time Will Be For Real And Sees Right There And Then Manifestation Of Real Holy Scenes Corresponding To The 3 Types Of Refuge States. Any Times Restrictives & Limitations To The 3 Stages Of Taking Refuge & Receiving Precepts ? Who & How Many Great & Giant Holy Virtues True Buddha-Dharma Masters Can Do That ?
Please see my response to your other comment. It is not just receiving the “right” ceremony from the highest master, it is your sincerity and devotion to the three jewels that will help you progress toward this state and enable you to neet a true Vajra Master. Proper rituals and holy initiations are important, but it is your cultivation that matters most.